Ryan sees bigger role for Jets' McKnight
FILE - Joe McKnight #25 of the New York Jets sits dejected after being defeated 24-19 by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2011 AFC Championship. (Jan. 23, 2011) Credit: Getty Images
Rex Ryan believes Joe McKnight is ready for the spotlight.
McKnight, the Jets' fourth-round draft pick a year ago, was a major disappointment early last season. He had a couple of vomiting episodes in rookie mini camp, failed his initial conditioning test before training camp and had problems holding onto the ball and running with a purpose in the preseason, leading him to be inactive in seven of the season's first eight games.
But McKnight regained the coaches' trust toward the end of the season -- he ran for 158 yards in the Jets' meaningless season finale against Buffalo -- and Ryan said Tuesday that he thinks McKnight is poised to be a major contributor.
"He's earned a bigger role for us," Ryan told reporters at the NFL meetings in New Orleans. "I don't think there's any doubt."
Ryan said there will be enough opportunities to get the ball to McKnight, who could also be their punt returner, even though he likely will be behind Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson on the food chain.
"He can play ahead of L.T. and Shonn in some things," Ryan said. "I think he's earned that, but clearly we have a one-two punch with Shonn Greene being basically our bell cow, and then you have L.T.
". . . Will we take some reps off L.T. this year on first and second down and give them more to Shonn Greene? I would say that's a real possibility. . . . But I think Joe McKnight's earned some reps."
No returns for Leonhard?
Jim Leonhard, who suffered a broken right leg in practice Dec. 3, is coming along in his rehab. But the safety's days fielding punts may be over. "I think Jim Leonhard is going to be just fine," Ryan said. "He's way ahead of schedule. We probably won't have him as our punt returner because of the injury. He's a valuable member of our defense."
Extra points
Ryan "thought it was kind of neat" Patriots coach Bill Belichick benched Wes Welker for the first offensive series of their playoff game for Welker's foot reference digs at Ryan . . . Ryan sounded like someone who's been giving an offseason sales pitch: "I'm letting every player in the league know that, if you want to win a Super Bowl," he said, "you should probably come to the Jets."
