Rex Ryan glad to have LaDainian Tomlinson, Jeremy Kerley back
New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes (10) is congratulated by teammate Jeremy Kerley (11) after his touchdown against the New England Patriots. (Oct. 9, 2011) Credit: AP
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- When Rex Ryan scanned the practice field Wednesday, he saw something he hadn't witnessed in more than two weeks: LaDainian Tomlinson and Jeremy Kerley practicing.
Tomlinson and Kerley, who are both working their way back from sprained MCLs, hadn't practiced since they were injured in the 37-16 loss to the Patriots on Nov. 13. But the running back and wide receiver each did so fully as the Jets began preparations for Sunday's game with the Redskins. Tomlinson and Kerley are on track to play after sitting out the past two games.
"L.T. and Kerley looked really good out there," Ryan said. "They look fresh and ready to roll. So that's a good sign."
Ryan said getting Tomlinson back gives the Jets a boost in protection schemes as well as on third down. "Specifically those types of roles," he said. "Joe McKnight and Shonn Greene did a real nice job of stepping in, especially in pass protection. L.T. is hard to replace. You always miss him, a player like that."
Fletcher: Stop run key
Even though the Jets aren't a team the Redskins face regularly, linebacker London Fletcher is already well-versed in the things Washington has to do to thwart the Jets' offense. To Fletcher, it all begins with the Jets' backfield and a 24th-ranked rushing attack that's averaging 100.4 yards per game and has picked it up lately.
"In the past, the way they've been successful is being able to run the football," Fletcher said. "They have a lot of good running backs. The offensive line is excellent, so you definitely go into the game thinking, 'Stop the run.' That way, you try to make a team one-dimensional and go from there."
Extra points
S Emanuel Cook, who was waived by the Jets Monday and claimed by the Ravens Tuesday, denied a report that he was let go because he was late Monday. "I really don't know. I wasn't late," Cook told reporters in Baltimore. "I don't know why." Ryan declined to comment . . . DE Mike DeVito (knee) didn't practice and is unlikely to play Sunday.
