Richardson wasn't agitated about his release
Tony Richardson #49 of the New York Jets carries the ball during the game against the Tennessee Titans. (Nov. 23, 2009) Credit: Getty Images
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Rex Ryan glanced at all the cameras snapping and shooting away on the sideline during yesterday's practice.
"I was saying, 'Look, all these guys are here to see you, T-Rich,' " Ryan cracked. "That was probably the biggest story of the day."
Yes, Tony Richardson was back, two days after the Jets released the veteran fullback in a curious move. The 38-year-old said he met with Ryan and general manager Mike Tannenbaum on Sunday, though he didn't reveal the conversation's specifics.
He did say, however, that the move came out of nowhere.
"Definitely caught me off guard," Richardson said. "There's no guarantees, no certainties in this NFL. So it just kind of had to let itself play out."
Tannenbaum, Richardson said, told him to explore his opportunities. But Richardson didn't get overly agitated.
"It really wasn't upsetting," Richardson said. "It's the nature of the NFL. The NFL stands for 'Not For Long' and you try not to let things get to you that much, and you just kind of see what's out there."
Sowhat was out there?
"I actually called down to Miami and talked to D-Wade and LeBron to see if they need some help down there," Richardson said. "I think they were set, so I thought this was my best opportunity to win a championship."
Pool hurting
Brodney Pool rode a stationary bike at practice again and the safety's availability for the opener Monday night against Baltimore is beginning to come into question.
Pool has an ankle sprain, which he said is steadily improving. But he's still not sure if it's progressing enough for him to play in five days.
"Hopefully," Pool said. "We are just taking it day by day, and the doctors are doing a good job of rehabbing me. So if it comes down to it, it's their call."I've been getting better. At the beginning, it was kind of painful. My ankle was pretty sore. But this week, the pain has gone down and I've been rehabbing a lot. So it's fine right now."
Extra points
Ryan said LB Calvin Pace is progressing ahead of schedule, but still doesn't want to put a timetable on his return.
. . .The Jets signed RB Chauncey Washington,LB Cody Brown and DT Jarron Gilbert to fill out their eight-man practice squad. They waived WR Patrick Turner and released S Don Warren and LB Ricky Foley.
