Taylor has concussion but expected to play
Jets linebacker Jason Taylor (above) is likely to be cut along with fellow veterans Kris Jenkins and Damien Woody first-round bust Vernon Gholston. (Jan. 6, 2011) Credit: Joe Epstein
The bad news is that Jason Taylor suffered a concussion in last Sunday's win over the Patriots, Rex Ryan said yesterday. The good news is that it did not prevent him from finishing the game in New England and it is not expected to prevent him from playing in Pittsburgh this weekend.
"He's been cleared," Ryan said, adding that he expects Taylor, who sat out practice, to return today. "He had some signs of a concussion later [Sunday] night so we're being, however you want to say it, cautious or whatever. But he has passed the test, so he's ready to roll."
The NFL has placed an emphasis on concussions in recent years, requiring players to undergo independent neurological exams before they can resume play. Taylor, as Ryan said, has passed those tests.
There seems little chance that Taylor, 36, would be willing to sit this game out anyway. The 14-year veteran came to the Jets hoping for a chance to go to the Super Bowl for the first time in his career. He also grew up in Pittsburgh, so playing there against the Steelers with a chance to win a conference title will be special for him.
Taylor was in the locker room with a hooded sweatshirt pulled over his head during media availability but he did not speak to reporters.
