Old friend Coles replaces Leonhard on roster

Perhaps looking to fire up the team and provide an emotional spark just days after losing their starting safety to a season-ending injury, the Jets have signed old friend Laveranues Coles.

Coles, who signed with the Jets on the eve of training camp in August, hasn't played since the Jets waived him Aug. 29. Initially, the thought was that the Jets released the veteran wide receiver in a cost-saving gesture and planned to bring him back after the Sept. 13 season opener against the Ravens so his salary would not be fully guaranteed.

But Coles, who made it clear in training camp that this would be his last season and that he wanted to finish his career as a Jet, remained retired.

Coles takes the roster spot vacated when Jim Leonhard was placed on injured reserve Saturday with a fractured tight tibia after colliding with wide receiver Patrick Turner in practice a day earlier.

Coles, 32, spent seven of his 10 seasons with the Jets, catching 459 passes for 5,941 yards and 37 touchdowns. He is fourth in team history in receptions, fifth in receiving yards and tied for fifth in touchdown receptions.