Santonio Holmes' injury not as bad as originally thought
Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes catches a pass while taking part in passing drills during training camp. (Aug. 1, 2012) Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams, Jr.
CORTLAND, N.Y. -- Wide receiver Santonio Holmes likely will miss the Jets' first preseason game Friday in Cincinnati because of a rib injury, Rex Ryan said.
Though relieved his No. 1 receiver doesn't have a broken rib as Ryan previously thought, the Jets' coach said Holmes may have possible cartilage damage and the area is "obviously tender."
Holmes, drilled by cornerback Antonio Cromartie during the Green and White scrimmage Saturday, had missed two straight practices before the game. After Sunday's off day, Holmes rode the stationary bike Monday.
"We're lucky he never had a fractured rib like we thought, or I thought, anyway," Ryan said. "That's a good sign. Whether he plays this week, I'm not real sure. I'm not going to rule him out, but I'll say it's probably doubtful. But we'll see."
Holmes' uncertain status continues to raise the issue of the Jets' depleted receiver corps. Jeremy Kerley (left hamstring) has been sidelined for all of training camp save one practice, Jordan White (broken left foot) missed the first week and a half and Chaz Schilens (groin) has been hampered by injuries as well. In addition, Monday the team waived receivers Scotty McKnight and DaMarcus Ganaway.
"It's just a good reminder that no matter who's in there, I have to go through my progression, I have to understand the coverage and put the ball in the right spot and expect those guys to be there," said quarterback Mark Sanchez, who has tried to slow down play calls in the huddle to help younger receivers. ". . . It just forces me to stick to fundamentals, get through your progression and get the ball out of your hand."
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Despite wearing a helmet and pads, Kerley stayed on the stationary bike for much of practice. "I'm trying to hold it all in and keep my composure about the situation," he said. "But I'm seeing my teammates fighting out there, so it's frustrating." . . . RG Brandon Moore was back at practice after spending the weekend in Canton for Curtis Martin's Hall of Fame induction . . . C Nick Mangold, who went to London to watch his sister compete in the Olympics, is expected back at practice Tuesday.
