NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

September 19, 2015

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Table of Contents

ASSOCIATED PRESS ................................................................................................................................................ 2

Chris Ivory a physical, productive powerhouse for Jets (Dennis Waszak) ................................................................. 2

Jets' Cromartie limited, status for Colts game uncertain (Dennis Waszak)............................................................... 3

NEWSDAY .............................................................................................................................................................. 3

Jets coach Todd Bowles on facing Colts QB Andrew Luck: 'It's a nightmare' (Neil Best) .......................................... 3

THE RECORD .......................................................................................................................................................... 4

Jets' Calvin Pryor says change is good (Jeff Roberts) ................................................................................................ 4

Jets' secondary could be thin vs. Colts on Monday night (Jeff Roberts) ................................................................... 6

ESPN NEW YORK .................................................................................................................................................... 6

Chuck Pagano on Darrelle Revis: Keeps getting better with age (Mike Wells) ......................................................... 6

Chris Ivory (groin) limited again but expected to play (Ohm Youngmisuk)............................................................... 7

Devin Smith practices full again as debut nears (Ohm Youngmisuk) ........................................................................ 8

NEW YORK POST .................................................................................................................................................... 9

Will Jets finally see the speed freak they’ve dreamt about? (Brian Lewis) ............................................................... 9

It’s Week 2 and the biggest Jets patch-up job is already tested (Brian Lewis) ........................................................ 10

Idzik’s rare Jets gift: Defiant WR who beat every red flag (Mark Cannizzaro) ........................................................ 11

NJ ADVANCE MEDIA ............................................................................................................................................ 13

5 Jets Chan Gailey takeaways: Jeremy Kerley's reduced role, Eric Decker in the slot (Dom Costentino) ............... 13

Geno Smith is doing more at Jets practice, and here's exactly how his workload has increased (Darryl Slater) ... 14

Antonio Cromartie (knee) sidelined again at Jets practice Friday (Darryl Slater) ................................................... 15

Marcus Williams explains Jets' cornerback plan if Antonio Cromartie can't play at Indianapolis Colts (Darryl Slater) ...................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Which Jets player would Brandon Marshall take first in fantasy football? (Dom Cosentino) ................................. 16

After toasting Joe Haden, will Jets' Brandon Marshall burn Indianapolis Colts' Vontae Davis? (Darryl Slater) ...... 17

Jets-Indianapolis Colts injury report: Chris Ivory, T.Y. Hilton, Antonio Cromartie, Devin Smith (Dom Cosentino) . 19

Jets coach Todd Bowles' wife is doing something cool for his N.J. hometown (Darryl Slater) ............................... 20

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................... 21

Jets coach Todd Bowles admits game-planning for Colts QB Andrew Luck is ‘a nightmare’ (Justin Tasch) ............ 21

Colts receiver Andre Johnson has no recollection of trip to Revis Island (Kevin Armstrong) ................................. 21

METRO NEW YORK .............................................................................................................................................. 22

Jets rookie Smith close to debut (Kristian Dyer) ..................................................................................................... 22

Outspoken Demario Davis drops to one knee when players get hurt (Kristian Dyer) ............................................ 23

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FRIDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS ....................................................................................................................... 24

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Chris Ivory a physical, productive powerhouse for Jets (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press September 18, 2015

http://www.pro32.ap.org/article/chris-ivory-physical-productive-powerhouse-jets

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The flying dreadlocks are the first thing you notice when Chris Ivory gets going on the football field.

The New York Jets running back is a powerful, physical presence who approaches each carry in a game as if it might be his last.

His hair flows in strands nearly to the middle of his back, so when he hits a hole or shifts his legs — and they're always churning — the dreads scatter in all directions. Then, Ivory powers past a defender trying to bring him down, often with a thud.

"It's very satisfying, that's a good word," offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said. "You don't see guys that are that big and strong and that fast. He can get outside with the ball in a heartbeat on you if you don't watch it. He is a big, strong runner inside and hardly ever gets knocked back. Even if we mess it up, he'll get us 2 yards."

Ivory ran for 91 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries in the season-opening win over Cleveland last Sunday. Entering his third season with the Jets, he's the team's undisputed lead running back. Ivory also seems to be the team's leading candidate for a breakout season.

"Yeah, I think the opportunity is there," Ivory said. "It's just about me making the plays and being healthy."

He spent his first three seasons buried on the depth chart in New Orleans, but ran for 716 yards as a rookie in 2010 after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Tiffin.

He hasn't reached 1,000 yards rushing in a season yet, mostly because he split carries last year with Chris Johnson and Bilal Powell in 2013. But Johnson is in Arizona now and Powell is a versatile, jack-of-all-trades in New York's offense, which leaves Ivory to do the heavy lifting in the run game.

"I feel like I've always been doing that," Ivory said of being a featured back. "Since I've been here with the Jets, splitting carries is not a problem with me. I feel like it saves our bodies and (if) we have two, three good backs in the backfield, why not use everybody?"

Ivory might make it tough for the Jets to not have him on the field. He was limited Thursday and Friday with a groin issue, but is expected to be fine for New York's game at Indianapolis on Monday night.

The 27-year-old Ivory has improved his strength, speed and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, making it more likely that he can be a three-down back in Gailey's offense. That wasn't always Ivory's reputation when then-GM John Idzik acquired him from the Saints during the 2013 draft.

"I'm shocked that the world really doesn't know about him," wide receiver Brandon Marshall said. "I didn't know much about him. I remember the Jets trading for him and I didn't get it. I didn't understand what was the big deal, but now I understand."

Ivory is far from flashy. He's extremely soft-spoken with the media. He doesn't seek the spotlight. He can walk through the locker room and almost seem invisible.

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"There's a lot of guys out there that are super humble and just go about their business with their pads," Marshall said, "and he's one of them."

Marshall went so far as to say that if he played fantasy football, Ivory would be his No. 1 pick. No, not Jamaal Charles or Eddie Lacy or Adrian Peterson or whomever else might have gone first in your league's draft.

"I mean, for us, he makes everything go," Marshall said. "It starts with him and our offensive line up front."

Marshall mentioned how in a recent practice, Ivory was about to break loose on a run to the left side when second-year cornerback Dexter McDougle had an "uh-oh" moment as the running back came barreling toward him.

"We obviously weren't tackling each other to the ground, but that's the defender's mentality," Marshall said. "He's a tough person to take down."

Violent. Physical. Powerful. They're all words used to describe Ivory's running style.

For the Jets, they're just happy Ivory is on their side, leaving opponents to dread the dreads.

"It makes me feel good and it just lets me know that they're seeing the work that I'm putting in," Ivory said. "I don't really think I've changed too much, but I did have one of my better camps this year. Those guys are my peers and they're all around so they see what I'm capable of and what I do every day."

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Jets' Cromartie limited, status for Colts game uncertain (Dennis Waszak) Associated Press September 18, 2015

http://www.pro32.ap.org/article/jets-cromartie-limited-status-colts-game-uncertain

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie was limited in practice Friday with a sprained knee, and his status for the team's game at Indianapolis on Monday night was uncertain.

It was progress for Cromartie, who sat out Wednesday and Thursday. Coach Todd Bowles said Friday that he needs to see "a little more" from Cromartie, who was injured last Sunday in the Jets' season-opening win against Cleveland.

Rookie linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (concussion) and cornerback Darrin Walls (hamstring) didn't practice and appear unlikely to play.

Rookie wide receiver Devin Smith (ribs) was a full participant and will be a game-time decision.

Guards James Carpenter (back) and Willie Colon (knee), running back Chris Ivory (groin) and safety Jaiquawn Jarrett (shoulder) were limited, but are expected to play.

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NEWSDAY

Jets coach Todd Bowles on facing Colts QB Andrew Luck: 'It's a nightmare' (Neil Best) Newsday September 18, 2015

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/jets-coach-todd-bowles-on-facing-colts-qb-andrew-luck-it-s-a-nightmare-1.10860788

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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Todd Bowles is a plainspoken guy, so it was no surprise Friday that the Jets coach spoke plainly when someone asked about the challenge of defending Colts quarterback Andrew Luck.

"It's a nightmare," he said.

As neatly as that summed up the Jets' respect for Monday night's opponent, now in his fourth season and presumably entering his career prime, they did go into a bit more detail than that.

Said Bowles: "He can beat you with his arm, he can beat you with his feet, he can beat you with his brain. We just have to play sound, fundamental football and try to slow him down a little bit."

Said defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers: "You're talking about, in our opinion, a top-five quarterback in the NFL and he poses a lot of problems . . . He can get out of trouble, he's strong and when you get there, he's hard to tackle."

Said linebacker Calvin Pace: "He's fearless, and faster than you think, strong, and about the only quarterback who'll throw an interception and go out of his way to make a tackle. I have a lot of respect for him, man, he can play.

"He's in that elite conversation when you talk about quarterbacks."

None of which is to suggest the Jets will cower in fear at the sight of not-so-old No. 12. Rex Ryan's Bills didn't last weekend, with a blitz-heavy attack that led Buffalo to a 27-14 victory in which Luck was 26-for-49 for 243 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. That led to a not-so-Luck-y passer rating of 63.6.

Might there be more blitzes in Luck's future Monday? Not necessarily.

"You take a chance if you try to blitz him, and you take a chance if you try to drop eight into coverage and you can't rush him," Rodgers said.

Said Bowles: "Every game is different. You try to get a feel for what they are trying to do to you first and you adjust accordingly . . . It's kind of a chess match at the beginning."

One of the Jets' most important defensive pieces, cornerback Antonio Cromartie, remains uncertain for Monday because of a sprained knee. Bowles said he will have to "see a little more" from him in practice before dressing him.

Asked after practice how he is feeling, Cromartie said, "I'm feeling whatever Todd Bowles said."

Cromartie was listed as limited at practice. Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton (knee) did not practice at all. That could help.

Fortunately for the Jets, they are relatively deep in the defensive secondary. "We're pretty stacked," cornerback Darrelle Revis said. "We're pretty loaded in the DB unit."

Good thing, under the circumstances. "He's smart, he's poised, he's in total command of the offense," Rodgers said of Luck. "His talent speaks for itself."

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THE RECORD

Jets' Calvin Pryor says change is good (Jeff Roberts) The Record September 19, 2015

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/jets-pryor-says-change-is-good-for-him-1.1413614

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FLORHAM PARK — The locker room had almost cleared out.

Calvin Pryor stood in his own quiet corner, anxious to make his escape and doing his best to avoid eye contact with a reporter.

But then came the questions he hoped to dodge.

About his very public benching last November. His struggles in coverage as a rookie first-round draft pick. And the embarrassing revelation last season that he had been late to multiple team meetings.

"It's in the past," Pryor said Friday after practice, punctuating his statement with the eye contact he was withholding. "And I'm going to let it be the past. Different coaching staff. Different players in the locker room.

"It's a new beginning."

It looked like it on Sunday.

Pryor led the Jets with 10 tackles in their season-opening victory over the Browns. And he forced a fumble on a hit that not only saved a touchdown, but knocked Cleveland quarterback Josh McCown out of the game.

This season, a more comfortable Pryor is playing the role he is naturally suited for — strong safety in coach Todd Bowles' defense, not free safety in Rex Ryan's.

And Pryor says he finally can become the big-hitting, enforcer-type player he was drafted to be in 2014.

"I think my role on this team is to go be a head-hunter and just go play football," said the 5-foot-11, 207-pound Pryor before the Jets (1-0) face Andrew Luck and the Colts (0-1) on Monday night in Indianapolis.

The quiet reinvention of Calvin Pryor began when Ryan was sent packing.

In came Bowles. In came a new defense, one in which the 18th overall selection in the 2014 draft again could be a strong safety. And in came a fresh start for Pryor.

"I feel more comfortable doing what I do now," he said. "I'm more locked in on what I have to do."

"We thought he had a really unique skill set," said defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers, "and to watch the way he played the other day was really pleasing."

Pryor, 23, thinks the change in defensive scheme is the biggest difference.

But he changed too. Gone is the bravado. Gone is the rookie who spoke like an accomplished veteran. Gone is the big talk, replaced with messages of preparation and consistency.

Gone, he says, is the guy who showed up late to meetings and who looked lost at times in coverage.

And gone, he says, is the chip on his shoulder.

"I just have to be myself," said Pryor, who played only 14 percent of his snaps last season in his natural position, according to ESPN. "I know what type of football player I'm capable of being."

The Jets need that against Luck, especially with the status of cornerbacks Antonio Cromartie (knee) and Darrin Walls (hamstring) uncertain.

"It's a nightmare," Bowles said when asked what it's like to prepare for Luck.

Pryor is one of his defenders who can make a difference. That is why Pryor's rookie season — in which he barely made an impact — was so disappointing. There were no interceptions. No forced fumbles. Just half

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a sack and only two passes defensed. He made only 60 tackles in 16 games. But he has no regrets because of the lessons learned.

"I'm kind of happy I went through what I went through," he said.

And he has moved on to what he calls, "Year Two."

BRIEFS: Cromartie was "very limited," but practiced for the first time since straining his left knee Sunday. But he "didn't do a lot," according to Bowles, who still needs to see improvement today for him to play. … Walls again missed practice. … WR Devin Smith (ribs) could make his NFL debut Monday, but will be a game-time decision. … RB Chris Ivory (groin) was limited, but Bowles was not concerned. … Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey raved about Eric Decker as a slot receiver.

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Jets' secondary could be thin vs. Colts on Monday night (Jeff Roberts) The Record September 18, 2015

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/jets-secondary-could-be-thin-vs-colts-on-monday-night-1.1413170

FLORHAM PARK — The Jets could be without two members of their secondary Monday night when they face Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts.

Cornerbacks Antonio Cromartie (knee) and Darrin Walls (hamstring) did not practice Friday during the portion open to the media. Although the Jets (1-0) have an extra day this week for them to heal, it seems unlikely they will play.

Cromartie, who suffered a knee sprain Sunday in the Jets’ season-opening victory over the Browns, did participate in part of the Jets' practice. Coach Todd Bowles termed his participation as "very limited."

Walls spent practice wearing a baseball cap and kneeling on the sideline watching his teammates.

Linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (concussion) was not on the practice field. Running back Chris Ivory (groin) also spent the portion of practice open to the media stretching in the rehab area.

If the Jets are without Cromartie and Walls, starter Darrelle Revis will be joined by Buster Skrine and Marcus Williams as the first-string corners.

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ESPN NEW YORK

Chuck Pagano on Darrelle Revis: Keeps getting better with age (Mike Wells) ESPN New York September 18, 2015

http://espn.go.com/blog/indianapolis-colts/post/_/id/13729/pagano-on-darrelle-revis-like-fine-wine-just-keep-getting-better-with-age

INDIANAPOLIS -- The uniform has changed, but the Indianapolis Colts know all too well about the headaches Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis can cause an offense.

Revis gave the New England Patriots their defensive identity last season. Now he's on a defense with a group of former first-round picks in New York with first-year Jets head coach Todd Bowles.

“Never fall asleep,” Colts coach Chuck Pagano said. “It’s like fine wine, they just keep getting better with age. I don’t see any difference in Darrelle. He’s a great, great player and he’s very, very smart. Great

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competitor and he’s got all the physical skills, but he’s so crafty and he’s so smart. I was just watching the tape, I know he spends a great deal of time watching his opponent and figuring things out.”

The Colts faced Revis twice last season while he was with the Patriots. He totaled four tackles and didn’t have any interceptions in the two games, but he allowed New England to do different things defensively. The Patriots didn’t use Revis against Pro Bowl receiver T.Y. Hilton in either matchup. They had Revis matched up against Reggie Wayne during the regular-season meeting and against Donte Moncrief in the AFC Championship Game.

Hilton's status for Monday's game against the Jets is up in the air because of a bruised left knee.

"We’ll have to see come game time what their plan is with Darrelle and see what they’re going to do," Pagano said. "T.Y. playing, not playing, all that stuff plays into that equation. You’ve got to know, obviously, where he is at all times."

Revis doesn’t depend solely on his raw talent to shut down receivers. He watches film thoroughly so that he has an understanding of the tendencies of the receivers he's going against.

“You have to play great technique with him,” Moncrief said. “You can’t show what you’re going to do. You can’t put on the blinkers as [offensive coordinator] Pep [Hamilton] would say. He’s physical, but he’ll play more off technique. He wants to know where your stance is. He wants to know what the possibility is that you’re running a certain route, what you like doing the most. You can tell he studies a lot.”

Revis not only is capable of eliminating one half of a field with his coverage skills, but his presence impacts the rest of his defensive teammates. The Jets forced five turnovers, which they turned into 21 points, in their Week 1 victory over Cleveland.

“One of the best in the game, if not the best,” Colts quarterback Andrew Luck said of Revis. “He’s cerebral, he’s athletic. He still plays like he’s a 25-year-old, 26-year-old in terms of athleticism, but he plays with the experience of a guy who’s been around for a bunch of years.

“He uses all of the things to his advantage. He uses the sidelines to his advantages. He uses your splits, your motions, he’s a great corner. And they have a bunch of good guys out there besides him. They’re a stiff, big, strong team up the middle. They make it hard to get a rhythm going and that’s what we need to do.”

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Chris Ivory (groin) limited again but expected to play (Ohm Youngmisuk) ESPN New York September 18, 2015

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/54266/chris-ivory-groin-limited-again-but-expected-to-play

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. –- Running back Chris Ivory was limited in practice for the second straight day but is expected to play Monday night.

Coach Todd Bowles said Ivory's groin issue is not a concern at the moment and the running back should be good to go when the New York Jets visit the Indianapolis Colts (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).

Ivory and cornerback Antonio Cromartie (knee) were both seen at the start of practice going through warm-up and stretching exercises. Cromartie was limited on Friday after not practicing on Thursday. However, Bowles said Cromartie needs to show he can move side to side and cut on Saturday before determining his status for the game.

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"[Cromartie] did some things but he didn't do a lot," Bowles said. "Will do a little bit more tomorrow [but] I got to see a little more. ...He was very limited."

Bowles said he truly did not know if Cromartie will be able to do more on Saturday.

The coach also said there is no change in quarterback Geno Smith's status. Smith (jaw) went through a limited practice for the second straight day. Bowles said Smith threw some 7-on-7 scout team, which was more than the individual work he had been doing.

Cornerback Darrin Walls (hamstring) and linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (concussion) did not practice for the second straight day. Wide receiver Devin Smith did go through a full practice again, and Bowles said the rookie's debut likely will be a game-day decision based on personnel and scheme.

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Devin Smith practices full again as debut nears (Ohm Youngmisuk) ESPN New York September 18, 2015

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/54269/devin-smith-practices-full-again-as-debut-nears

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. –- Devin Smith is still a tad sore in his rib area but he's practiced full every day this week.

The rookie is eager to make his NFL debut and New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles says Smith's availability Monday against the Indianapolis Colts could likely be decided on game day based on personnel and schemes.

Perhaps Bowles will also take into consideration Smith's familiarity with Lucas Oil Stadium.

The last time Smith played there, he torched the Wisconsin secondary for four receptions for 137 yards and three touchdowns in a 59-0 Ohio State rout in the Big Ten championship game last December.

The Jets may decide to throw Smith's warp speed on the indoor turf against Indianapolis to give quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick a deep threat. So far, Fitzpatrick has Brandon Marshall as a mammoth target and Eric Decker to throw to in the slot.

Smith could eventually work his way into the third spot which was something the Jets brass might've envisioned when they drafted the speedster with the 37th overall pick in the second round.

Smith's development was delayed when he broke his ribs and suffered a partially punctured lung.

"Right now, I'm a little sore," admitted Smith, who has played at Lucas Oil Stadium in the past two Big Ten title games. "[But] moving around, I feel pretty good."

While offensive coordinator Chan Gailey says Smith has to catch up with all the practice time he missed since he suffered the injury at the start of camp, the receiver has been in his playbook and team meetings studying routes and the offense.

The Jets, though, want to ease Smith into action.

"I think right now as a rookie you would put him at a spot," Gailey said. "Not going to tell you which one. Put him at a spot and try to leave him there in order to keep it as simple as possible for him early in the year."

If Smith is active, he also could see time on special teams as a gunner and a potential emergency option as a kickoff returner -– something the Jets have been trying him at in practice a bit.

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Smith certainly could be another weapon for the Jets' receiving corps. Marshall had six catches for 62 yards and a touchdown in his Jets' debut during a 31-10 win over the Cleveland Browns. Decker had two receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown while Chris Owusu played as the third receiver and had four receptions for 55 yards.

Gailey said he really liked what he saw in his three-wide sets with Decker playing inside.

"He's got a unique feel inside," Gailey said. "Some guys do and some guys don't. I've had some guys that couldn't play in there at all. We kind of threw him in there early and he had a great feel for it so we are going to working him in the slot there until he proves he shouldn't be there.

"I think he can be a big weapon for us inside."

That, of course, means Jeremy Kerley remains the odd man out on offense. Kerley was the Jets' slot guy but now he's been reduced to depth and the team's punt returner.

"I think at this point we got some roles defined," Gailey explained. "He fits a little bit of a lot of roles but not major in any of the roles at this point because we didn't have him for so long [because of injuries] so we started molding it around other things and we are where we are."

Gailey added: "He is still going to have bits and pieces of things that we think he would make a difference on. But there's not enough room for everybody on every play. Unfortunately with the time he missed, this is a bad term -- you don't want to say odd man out -- but we haven't created the role for him yet that he will end up playing at some point for us."

It remains to be seen what role the Jets will create for Smith. But his debut is nearing and it could very well come Monday in a place he once starred.

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NEW YORK POST

Will Jets finally see the speed freak they’ve dreamt about? (Brian Lewis) New York Post September 18, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/09/18/will-jets-finally-see-the-speed-freak-theyve-dreamt-about/

Jets fans have waited a decade — maybe two — for a home-run hitter, a deep-ball threat whose one job was to take the tops off defenses. Will they get to see speedy rookie Devin Smith make his highly anticipated debut Monday night, or have to wait just a little bit longer?

The second-round pick will be a game-time decision in Indianapolis, according to coach Todd Bowles. Smith would play a very limited role Monday if he suits up at all, but the role of gamebreaker is one the Jets have lacked for years.

“He had a full practice [Friday]. He practiced well,” Bowles said. “It’ll come down to game day and see where he fits in the game plan and see if we can use him this week or not.’’

Smith’s debut has been delayed by injuries. He suffered broken ribs and a partially punctured lung on July 31, right at the start of training camp. That set him back, and now he’s trying to make up ground — ground his speed won’t help him cover.

“Well, he missed quite a bit of spring. It’d be a limited role if he gets to play,” offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said. “Just because he’s really in fall camp still.

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“You have to get out there and do it on the field. You can watch film and do it on the chalkboard all you want, but until you get out there and you do it on the field, there’s no substitute for that. You have to be out there and do it at practice. Not just once, you have to do it several times. There’s a process that he has to catch up.’’

The Jets have had a number of outstanding receivers in the past 30 years — from Al Toon to Keyshawn Johnson to Laveranues Coles to Jerricho Cotchery. But one might have to go all the way back to Wesley Walker to find a deep threat.

Right now, Smith is no threat, just a prospect who has never played. But after a collegiate career at Ohio State filled with highlight-reel longballs — he took a dozen of his 33 receptions as a senior into the end zone, averaging 28.2 yards-per-catch — the Jets can hope. The fact he practiced well Friday at least buoys that hope.

“I’m feeling pretty good,” Smith said. “Right now I’m not sure where I’m at [availability-wise]. I have to see the trainer. But moving around, I feel pretty good,’’ Smith said. “They’re just throwing me in there, having me get used to going through the plays, running the routes again.

“[Whether I’m cleared] is up to the training. For me personally, I feel fine. But there could be something wrong and we just don’t know. I’m going to check with the trainers and see what their plan is.’’

Whenever Smith debuts, part of the plan is to have him play special teams. He likely will serve as a gunner on coverage, but somewhere down the line he could even return kicks, despite a lack of experience on the collegiate level.

“We’d like to get him back there, see what he can do,” special teams coach Bobby April said. “The thing is, it’s all for real. He’ll be doing it for the first time as the real deal, so we don’t know what he’ll do until he actually does it.

“The injury really set him back. … But he’s a good player. We’ve got a lot invested in him. We picked him really high, so we want to use his talents to help us win the game.’’

With cornerback and gunner Darrin Walls’ status in question for Monday, if Smith plays he could fill that role.

“If he dresses he’ll do some of that, absolutely,’’ April said. “If Walls is out, obviously we’re going to replace Walls with somebody, there’s a strong possibility then. I’d like to see him play. We’ve got a lot of high hopes for him, and a lot of expectations for his contributions. It just hasn’t happened yet.’’

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It’s Week 2 and the biggest Jets patch-up job is already tested (Brian Lewis) New York Post September 18, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/09/18/its-week-2-and-the-biggest-jets-patch-up-job-is-already-tested/

After Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan spent millions to upgrade predecessor John Idzik’s paper-thin depth chart at cornerback — bringing in Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Buster Skrine — that depth may get tested in Week 2, with the status of Antonio Cromartie and Darrin Walls in doubt for Monday night against the Colts.

Cromartie was limited in practice Friday after suffering a sprained left knee in Sunday’s season-opener and he did not practice on Thursday.

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“[Cromartie] was very limited. He did some things, but he didn’t do a lot. He’ll do a little bit more [Saturday],’’ said coach Todd Bowles, unsure if Cromartie will play. “I have to see a little more. I don’t know, I’ll see. I don’t know; I really don’t. I have to see him run side-to-side and cut and do all those types of things.’’

As for Walls, he didn’t practice on Friday, and Bowles said if he can’t go on Saturday, he won’t suit up in Indianapolis.

Cromartie suffered a sprained left knee during the season opener, and though the injury is not as severe as initially feared, the four-time Pro Bowler hasn’t practiced fully since. The 31-year-old never has missed a game because of injury in his 10-year NFL career, but that streak is in jeopardy now.

It’s bad timing, with Bowles describing facing Colts quarterback Andrew Luck as “a nightmare.”

If Cromartie can’t play, Marcus Williams or Skrine would start against in base defenses, with both on the field in the nickel.

“Right now, we’re looking at a lot of different scenarios,” said defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers, who added they would be unlikely to use Dexter McDougle inside. “The beauty about us right now is that going in, we were heavy on corners, so we’re looking at a lot different situations and we’ll kind of see how it pans out,’’

“Just in case Cro’ can’t go, I’ll definitely be ready. Let’s see what the game plan is. He took some reps today, so that’s good. If he’s not 100 percent, I’ll be ready to go,’’ Williams said. “It’s not a big deal. I’ll probably pretty much do the same thing I did last week, play more outside. But we’ll see how it goes.’

Bowles said Geno Smith’s (six-to-10-week) timeline to return hadn’t changed, but that the quarterback did practice on a limited basis for a second consecutive day, including moving up to throw some during 7-on-7 scout team work after heretofore only doing individual work.

Bowles also said he wasn’t concerned about RB Chris Ivory’s groin injury suffered earlier this week in practice, and that rookie LB Lorenzo Mauldin (concussion) didn’t practice for the second straight day, but was improving.

“He’s still day-to-day and week-to-week right now, but he’s seeing a little better,’’ Bowles said.

Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey raved over Eric Decker’s “unique feel” in the slot.

“He had a great feel for it,” Gailey said. “He can be a big weapon for us inside.’’

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Idzik’s rare Jets gift: Defiant WR who beat every red flag (Mark Cannizzaro) New York Post September 18, 2015

http://nypost.com/2015/09/18/idziks-rare-jets-gift-defiant-wr-who-beat-every-red-flag/

If Jets coach Todd Bowles needs an Exhibit A example of a player who has persevered to get where he is today, receiver Chris Owusu would be the perfect reference point.

Owusu is not supposed to be here. He’s not supposed to be playing for the Jets. He’s not even supposed to be playing in the NFL.

The odds were stacked against Owusu before he got into the league, when all seven rounds of the 2012 NFL Draft passed without anyone calling his name despite the fact he had a productive career as a receiver

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and kick returner at Stanford. Those odds became even longer once he got into the league, with red flags over his issue with concussions scaring teams away.

Yet somehow Owusu is here, on the Jets’ roster as their No. 3 receiver and ready to play Monday night against the Colts and their star quarterback Andrew Luck, his good friend who threw passes to him while the two played together at Stanford.

Owusu, acquired by former Jets general manager John Idzik (one of the few positive moves Idzik executed during his flawed two-year run), is on his fourth team in four years. He has 24 career receptions and four of them came in last week’s win over the Browns. Not bad for a guy who initially didn’t even make the Jets’ final 53-man roster.

As recently as five weeks ago, Owusu was sidelined with a concussion when he took a hit to the head in practice. It was the fourth he has suffered, dating back to college.

But when Owusu returned to the field, he made a strong last impression of summer when he caught five passes for 72 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown, in the preseason finale — a performance that appeared to have secured a place on the roster for him.

Yet when the final cuts arrived, Owusu was left off the roster. The Jets, who wanted to keep Owusu, gambled that no other team would sign him because of the concussion red flags and it worked, allowing them to bring him back.

In the season opener, Owusu was one of their most productive receivers, setting up the Jets’ first touchdown of the season with a 43-yard reception in the first quarter, and finishing with four catches for 55 yards.

During a quiet moment in the locker room this week, Owusu, looking back on being cut, said his first thought was: “You never know.’’

“A lot of scenarios crept into my head,’’ he said. “Ultimately, I prayed a lot with my family. That helped me to be calm no matter what storms came my way, no matter what was going on.’’

After he was cut, Owusu got encouraging texts from Jets teammates, including quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and fellow receiver Eric Decker, which he said, “eased my heart.’’

Owusu’s father, too, was a pillar of strength for him. Francis Owusu knows more about athletic disappointment than most. He made the Ghana Olympic team to run the 400 meters, but was unable to compete when Ghana boycotted the 1976 Games in Montreal over Olympic officials’ refusal to ban New Zealand. (There had been an uproar over the New Zealand rugby team’s tour of South Africa, which had been banned because of its apartheid policies).

“It was very disappointing after all the training and energy I put into it, but if it is good for mankind, then I am all for it,’’ Francis Owusu recalled. “I came to accept it.’’

The father said when his son was cut by the Jets after all the hard work he put in, “it did remind me of myself.’’

“You just have to accept it and move forward with disappointment, which is what he did,’’ Francis Owusu said. “Hard work always pays off. When adversity strikes, you just have to take it and move forward.’’

So that’s what his son did. And now, just a couple of weeks removed from being cut, Owusu has become a go-to target for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

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“The first I’d ever heard of Chris was when I got traded here and they said, ‘Some guy named Chris Owusu has No. 14,’ ’’ Fitzpatrick said of his preferred jersey number. “So I texted Chris and he was nice enough to give me the number.’’

Owusu gave Fitzpatrick his number and now Fitzpatrick is calling Owusu.

“He’s a guy I really look to, and after having a few catches last game, I think his confidence is just going to grow,’’ Fitzpatrick said.

“I have a lot of respect for him,” Decker said. “His game and the path that got him to where he is now.

“It’s been awesome to see a guy that keeps grinding and grinding and finally the light shines and he gets his fair chance.’’

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NJ ADVANCE MEDIA

5 Jets Chan Gailey takeaways: Jeremy Kerley's reduced role, Eric Decker in the slot (Dom Costentino) NJ Advance Media August 29, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/09/5_jets_chan_gailey_takeaways_jeremy_kerleys_reduce.html#incart_river_mobileshort

FLORHAM PARK — Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey's weekly conversation with reporters was held Friday this week because the Jets don't play again till Monday night, when they visit the Colts in Indianapolis.

A quick rundown of what Gailey had to say:

1. What's up with Jeremy Kerley? Gailey basically said Kerley isn't versatile enough for what the Jets want to do with their offense. "We've got some roles defined, and he fits a little bit of a lot of roles, but not major in any of the roles," Gailey said. Gailey also said because Kerley had missed time—first with an Achilles injury during OTAs, then with a concussion during training camp, "we started molding [the offense] around other things, and we are where we are." The Jets want their receivers to be able to play interchangeable roles. Kerley, while capable, is pretty much a slot receiver. He played just one offensive snap against the Browns. "He's still going to have bits and pieces of things that we think that he would make a difference for us on, but there's not enough room for everybody on every play," Gailey said. "Unfortunately, with the time he missed, he's a little bit—this is a bad term—you don't want to say odd man out, but it's just we haven't created the role for him yet that he will end up playing at some point for us. We will, we know where it is, we'll get there, but these other things are things that we've been doing for quite a while, while he was out." Translation: Kerley's future with the Jets is very much in doubt.

2. On Devin Smith's role, if he does play vs. Colts. Gailey said Smith, who's been sidelined since July 31 with broken ribs, would play "a very limited role" if he can go Monday night. Smith has practiced in full the last two weeks, but he was inactive last week against the Browns. "He's really in fall camp still," Gailey said. "You can watch film and do it on the chalkboard all you want, but until you get out there and you do it on the field, there's no substitute for that."

3. Where will Devin Smith play (if he plays)? As noted above, Gailey and receiver coach Karl Dorrell want all of the Jets wideouts to be able to play in all spots. But with all the time Smith has missed, Gailey said he'd prefer to put Smith "in a spot—I won't tell you which one—and try to leave him there in order to keep it as simple as possible for him early in the year."

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4. On the tight ends getting targeted once vs. Browns. Kellen Davis and Jeff Cumberland had one pass thrown their way last week. Head coach Todd Bowles said earlier this week that was mainly because quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was going through his reads and looking elsewhere. Gailey agreed that was part of it, but he also said Davis and Cumberland blocked so well—particularly on play-action—that they weren't running as many routes. "Just when you think we're not going to throw it to 'em," Gailey said, "that'll be the week that we do."

5. Eric Decker in the slot? Eric Decker in the slot. Decker played 43 of his 55 snaps in the slot against the Browns, after mostly playing on the outside last season. Gailey said Decker "has got a unique feel" for playing inside. "We kind of threw him in there early, and he had a great feel for it, so we're able to keep working him in the slot there," Gailey said. "I think he can be a big weapon for us inside." Putting Decker inside also allows the Jets to get use Brandon Marshall and a speedster like Chris Owusu (40 snaps) on the outside. Decker in the slot would also seem to be why Kerley has been placed on the shelf.

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Geno Smith is doing more at Jets practice, and here's exactly how his workload has increased (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media September 18, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/09/geno_smith_is_doing_more_at_jets_practice_and_here.html#incart_river_mobileshort

FLORHAM PARK — Jets quarterback Geno Smith, who is returning from that infamous broken jaw, has done more at practice this week.

But how much more, exactly?

Smith told NJ Advance Media earlier this week that he had been participating in team periods at practice.

But coach Todd Bowles clarified Friday that Smith isn't yet doing 11-on-11 team period work. Smith is, however, receiving action in 7-on-7 periods, during which he does not play behind an offensive line, or against a defensive pass rush. It's pretty much a standing-still drill, with throwing, for a quarterback.

The Jets put out their initial injury report Thursday, as they prepare for Monday's game at the Colts. Smith was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice. He had previously been listed as "did not practice," even though he had gotten work in individual/position drills. Smith was also listed as limited Friday.

So what changed?

The difference in Smith's participation, this week, is those 7-on-7 periods with the scout-team offense, according to Bowles. Smith hadn't gotten 7-on-7 work before Thursday. Just individual/position drills, said Bowles.

This isn't a huge step forward for Smith. He likely was never going to practice in 11-on-11 team periods until after his final X-ray. But it is progress in his rehab.

"He's throwing out there, and he's just going through the process right now," Bowles said. "It's going to take a while."

On Wednesday, Smith told NJ Advance Media that he is scheduled to have a final X-ray on his jaw sometime next week. That jaw, of course, was broken by then-teammate IK Enemkpali's punch, in the locker room, over a $600 dispute.

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Bowles has continually said Smith's recovery timeframe hasn't changed, and Bowles reiterated this point Friday. Smith is still expected to miss about three more games. The Jets have their bye week after the fourth game.

Bowles said Smith will travel to Monday's game, even though he won't play. Bowles said all injured players on the 53-man active roster will travel.

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Antonio Cromartie (knee) sidelined again at Jets practice Friday (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media September 18, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/09/antonio_cromartie_knee_sidelined_again_at_jets_pra.html#incart_river_mobileshort

FLORHAM PARK — Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who is recovering from a sprained left knee injury that he sustained in Sunday's season opener, once again did not participate in the early part of practice Friday.

Cromartie hasn't practiced since he got hurt. He is attempting to return in time for Monday night's game at the Colts. Cromartie, a 10th-year pro, has never missed a game in his career due to an injury. At this point, his status for Monday appears very much in question.

Backup cornerback Darrin Walls (hamstring) also missed his second straight day of practice Friday. Rookie outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (concussion) once again wasn't even at practice Friday, after he got hurt in a scary situation during the opener. It seems unlikely either player will participate in Jets-Colts. Mauldin's return is subject to the NFL's post-concussion assessment protocol.

Cromartie had his helmet with him during the early part of Friday's practice, a 30-minute period that is the only portion open to reporters.

After stretching, Cromartie went to the rehab area. He did some side-stepping and squatting exercises, and had his left leg stretched out by a trainer.

Running back Chris Ivory (groin) also worked in the rehab area early in Friday's practice. Ivory was a new name on the Jets' injury report Thursday — the first day they had to issue an injury report this week. It's unclear how serious his groin injury is. He practiced Thursday, but in a limited capacity.

Walls, who wore a cap Friday and didn't have his helmet with him, didn't even get any rehab area work during the open portion of practice. Walls just stood on the sideline and watched practice.

If Cromartie is absent Monday, the Jets will go with Darrelle Revis, Marcus Williams, Buster Skrine, and Dexter McDougle as their cornerbacks. Williams or Skrine will start opposite Revis.

Because the Jets play a Monday game this week, they have one more practice, on Saturday, before they have to announce their final injury report for the game.

It looks like there's a good chance rookie wide receiver Devin Smith will make his debut on Monday, after recovering from broken ribs. He continued to participate fully during the early part of Friday's practice.

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Marcus Williams explains Jets' cornerback plan if Antonio Cromartie can't play at Indianapolis Colts (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media September 18, 2015

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http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/09/marcus_williams_explains_jets_cornerback_plan_if_a.html#incart_river_mobileshort

FLORHAM PARK — If cornerback Antonio Cromartie (sprained knee) can't play in Monday night's Jets game at the Colts, how will the Jets deploy their cornerbacks?

One of the corners who will factor into the contingency plan, which the Jets' coaches have already settled on, explained exactly how things will work.

Marcus Williams, a second-year pro, told NJ Advance Media on Friday that if Cromartie can't play Monday, the Jets will use the same plan they used Sunday against the Browns, after Cromartie sprained his knee.

Buster Skrine would take Cromartie's place as the outside cornerback in the base defense. When the Jets use a nickel package, with five defensive backs, Skrine would play his usual slot corner role, and Williams would play outside corner.

"That's what we've been practicing the whole year, just in case [somebody got hurt]," said Williams, who is neither surprised nor frustrated by this plan. "Buster is a great player, and he's earned that. I know that he's a guy I have to learn from" because Williams is Skrine's understudy as the slot corner.

The aforementioned plan would mean a lot of action for Skrine, but also a significant amount for Williams, since the Jets play their nickel package often.

Skrine is more experienced than Williams, an undrafted player who started eight games for the Jets last season. Before Skrine signed with the Jets in free agency this past offseason, he started from 2013-14 for the Browns. Skrine played outside corner in Cleveland, but also saw action in the slot.

Skrine had issues with penalties last season. He led all NFL corners in penalty flags, with 17, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Colts' top two receivers are T.Y. Hilton and Andre Johnson, though it's not clear if Hilton will be able to play Monday, because of a bruised knee.

Though Skrine and Williams both play slot and outside corner in practice, the Jets' coaches opted to play Williams only outside in the nickel against the Browns, after Cromartie went down, while letting Skrine replace Cromartie in the base defense.

And that's how things will unfold Monday, if Cromartie can't play. He practiced Friday for the first time this week, but was "very limited," according to Jets coach Todd Bowles, who wants to see more from Cromartie in Saturday's practice before clearing him to play Monday.

While playing outside corner in the Jets' nickel defense against the Browns, Williams made an interception, the second of his career.

He's largely unknown. But it's not like he was a completely new guy out there. He became a starter for the Jets in early November last season, about a month after they signed him to the practice squad. The Texans had previously cut him.

"Sometimes, you can be forgotten [by the general public]," Williams said. "I started eight games. It seemed like once I got out there [on Sunday], everybody was surprised, like I was the new guy or something. It's whatever."

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Which Jets player would Brandon Marshall take first in fantasy football? (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media September 18, 2015

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http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/09/which_jets_player_would_brandon_marshall_take_firs.html#incart_river_mobileshort

FLORHAM PARK — Brandon Marshall doesn't have a fantasy team. But if he did, he knows which Jets player he'd draft first.

"I would pick myself," Marshall said, joking. And then he got serious.

"No, actually," Marshall went on, "my first pick would be Chris Ivory."

Truth be told, it would be hard to find a more consistent fantasy option on the Jets than Ivory, now in his third season with the Jets after having spent three seasons with the Saints.

Ivory rushed for a combined 1,654 yards and averaged 4.35 yards per carry in 2013 and '14. The Jets do seem to want to use Bilal Powell on third downs. But Ivory is shaping up to be their feature guy. Last week against the Browns, Ivory rushed for 91 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 20 carries. And he sat for the game's final eight minutes, once the outcome was no longer in doubt.

"Chris is going to be a workhorse for us all year long," quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick said.

Ivory's ram-tough running style is his most noticeable feature—see the way he trucked Browns safety Donte Whitner en route to a second-quarter touchdown Sunday—but since the start of training camp, first-year head coach Todd Bowles has been high on Ivory because of another quality Ivory possesses.

"The only thing that surprised me about Ivory was how quick his feet were," Bowles said. "He has excellent feet, and that says a lot. You don't have to be a blazer as a runner, but if you've got good feet and you have good vision, you can be a good back."

Pro Football Focus calculated that Ivory averaged an impressive 3.20 yards after contact per run against the Browns.

"I think he just reiterates to you, as an offensive line, how great of a runner he is," center Nick Mangold said. "He's fantastic. You see the end results ... but seeing how he gets there just reinforces it."

Marshall admitted that when the Jets traded for Ivory in April 2013, sending the Saints a fourth-round pick to acquire him, he "didn't get it."

"I didn't understand what was the big deal, but now I understand," Marshall said. "I'm excited for him and excited for the team."

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After toasting Joe Haden, will Jets' Brandon Marshall burn Indianapolis Colts' Vontae Davis? (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media September 18, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/09/after_toasting_joe_haden_can_jets_brandon_marshall.html#incart_river_mobileshort

FLORHAM PARK — Joe Haden of the Browns is one of the NFL's best cornerbacks. He looked like anything but in Sunday's season opener against the Jets and their star wide receiver, Brandon Marshall.

Vontae Davis of the Colts also ranks among the league's top corners, and is probably better than Haden. Will Marshall enjoy similar success against Davis when the Jets visit the Colts on Monday night?

Marshall, at least, is playing the humble card entering this matchup. He was asked if he expects Davis to shadow him for the duration of Monday's game.

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"No, I'm washed up and old," said Marshall, a 31-year-old, 10th-year veteran. "No one should follow me now."

He smiled as he said this. You can tell he's looking forward to the challenge of facing Davis.

It's tough to envision Marshall being as brutally efficient against Davis as he was against Haden. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick targeted Marshall five times when Haden defended him. Marshall caught all five passes, for 56 yards and a touchdown.

What makes the Marshall-Davis matchup more fascinating than Marshall-Haden is that Marshall and Davis have known each other personally for several years. They used to be teammates, competing against each other in practice.

Marshall's only two seasons with the Dolphins, 2010-11, were Davis' last two seasons there. The Dolphins drafted him 25th overall in 2009. Plus, Jets head coach Todd Bowles was Davis' position coach for his entire time in Miami.

Davis has blossomed in Indianapolis. Jets receiver Eric Decker called Davis "one of the elites right now in the NFL." Davis made the Pro Bowl last season for the first time. Pro Football Focus rated him the NFL's second-best cornerback in 2014 — two spots higher than where he was rated in 2013.

"This kid's really talented," Marshall said of Davis. "I always thought, when Vontae's super focused, he's one of the best in the business, if not the best, behind our guy over there [Darrelle Revis]."

Marshall has seen Davis develop since their time together in Miami.

"Vontae is super patient now," Marshall said. "That wasn't the case back then. He's always been a smart guy, but it seems like he's locked in on every single play now. His focus is on an all-time high. He's always been super talented. That's never been the issue with him. It just seems like he's finally put it all together, and that's a scary thing for a wide receiver."

Now that Davis grasps the cerebral part of the game, "he's become a complete player," Bowles said. "He does everything."

In addition to speed and leaping ability, Davis is bulky. At 5-foot-11 and "a rocked-up" 207 pounds, Davis has the size to contend with bigger receivers, like Marshall.

"He's one of those corners you're not going to push around," Bowles said. "It's going to be a challenge for Brandon. They know each other's strengths and weaknesses."

Davis could've joined a Jets before last season. Instead of signing elsewhere in free agency, Davis opted to re-sign with the Colts.

During the four seasons of Davis' career in which he and Marshall weren't teammates, he and Marshall have faced each other as opponents just once. That happened in the 2012 opener — Marshall's first game with the Bears, and Davis' debut with the Colts, after they traded for him.

The Bears won 41-21, and Marshall made nine catches for 119 yards and a touchdown. He was targeted three times when Davis defended him, according to PFF. Marshall caught two of those passes, for 16 yards and a touchdown. Marshall dropped the other pass thrown his way when Davis covered him.

Davis has developed considerably in the three years since then. How will he fare in a rematch with his former teammate? Better than Haden did, he hopes.

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Jets-Indianapolis Colts injury report: Chris Ivory, T.Y. Hilton, Antonio Cromartie, Devin Smith (Dom Cosentino) NJ Advance Media September 18, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/09/jets-indianapolis_colts_injury_report_chris_ivory.html#incart_river_mobileshort

FLORHAM PARK — The Jets and Colts, who play Monday night in Indianapolis, just released their Friday injury report. Let's take a gander:

Jets

Did not practice

LB Lorenzo Mauldin (concussion)

CB Darrin Walls (hamstring)

Limited at practice

G James Carpenter (back)

G Willie Colon (knee)

CB Antonio Cromartie (knee)

RB Chris Ivory (groin)

S Jaiquawn Jarrett (shoulder)

QB Geno Smith (jaw)

Full practice

DE Stephen Bowen (knee)

T Brent Qvale (finger)

WR Devin Smith (ribs)

Analysis: Head coach Todd Bowles said not to worry about Ivory; he'll play against the Colts. Cromartie was limited after not practicing Thursday, but Bowles said "he didn't do a lot." While Bowles wouldn't rule out Cromartie just yet, it's looking unlikely Cromartie will be able to play. (Cromartie had strongly suggested as much earlier this week anyway.) Devin Smith's status will "come down to game day," Bowles said. And the Jets want to see what Walls can do at practice Saturday before determining whether he'll be a go. And, no, Geno Smith will not play.

Colts

Did not practice

CB Darius Butler (hip)

WR T.Y. Hilton (knee)

CB D'Joun Smith (knee)

CB Gregory Toler (neck)

Limited at practice

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LB Robert Mathis (achilles)

LB Bjoern Werner (knee)

Full practice

G Todd Herremans (shoulder)

LB D'Qwell Jackson (toe)

Analysis: Hilton has now missed practice two days in a row with that bruised knee. Head coach Chuck Pagano was optimistic Thursday that Hilton would be OK to play, but now? Stephen Holder, a Colts beat writer for the Indianapolis Star who did a Q&A with our Darryl Slater earlier, weighed in with this on Friday afternoon:

Also from Holder:

There were three corners missing today: Butler, Greg Toler and D'Joun Smith. I think it's fair to say depth might be an issue there.

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Jets coach Todd Bowles' wife is doing something cool for his N.J. hometown (Darryl Slater) NJ Advance Media September 18, 2015

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/09/jets_coach_todd_bowles_wife_is_doing_something_coo.html#incart_river_mobileshort

Jets coach Todd Bowles grew up in Elizabeth, so the city has a special place in his heart. Bowles doesn't get to return all that often during the season, since he's busy game planning and running practices.

But on Friday, his wife, Taneka, will take part in a neat community service event in Elizabeth.

The Jets-sponsored event, part of the NFL's Play 60 initiative, will take place at the Thomas Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth. The first session begins at 9 a.m., the second at noon. About 4,000 fourth- and fifth-grade students from Elizabeth's public schools will attend.

In addition to Taneka Bowles, former Jets safety Erik Coleman will attend. There will also be a video message from Todd Bowles.

The purpose of the event is to introduce the students to the Play 60 program. The kids will get a Jets backpack and a planner, to track their fitness. The program challenges students to get 60 minutes of physical activity every day over a four-week period.

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There is an incentive for students to get involved in the program, too. Top performing students from each grade will be entered into a drawing for tickets — provided by Bowles and his wife — to attend a Jets game this year.

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NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Jets coach Todd Bowles admits game-planning for Colts QB Andrew Luck is ‘a nightmare’ (Justin Tasch) New York Daily News September 18, 2015

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-coach-game-planning-andrew-luck-nightmare-article-1.2366306

Todd Bowles has found it difficult enough to game plan for Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, regardless of which defensive players he’ll have at his disposal on Monday night in Indianapolis.

“It’s a nightmare,” the Jets head coach said of preparing for Luck.

Bad dreams can easily turn into sleepless nights if cornerback Antonio Cromartie can’t play. Despite Cromartie being upgraded to limited participation in practice on Friday after suffering a knee sprain on Sunday, Bowles said Cromartie was “very limited” and he’d have to “see a little more” from Cromartie on Saturday to give him the green light for Monday.

Earlier in the week Cromartie seemed as if he wanted to be cautious after playing through a hip injury two years ago. He wouldn’t speak with reporters on Friday, saying only as he walked away from his locker “I’m feeling whatever Todd Bowles say.”

Bowles can at least take solace in the fact that the Jets have enough depth at corner to potentially withstand such an absence, one which would put sophomore Marcus Williams in position to play on nickel packages. Williams, who went undrafted last year, is one of the few bright spots from the John Idzik regime as he proved capable in eight games last season. After Cromartie left Sunday’s win over the Browns, offseason signing Buster Skrine shifted from slot corner to the outside in base packages, but shifted back to the slot in the nickel defense with Williams playing the side opposite Darrelle Revis.

Williams said he’s preparing for a bigger workload “just in case” Cromartie can’t go. Williams expects to play mostly on the outside, though he has no preference on where he lines up.

“I’m sure I’ll probably pretty much do the same as I did last week, play more outside than anything,” said Williams, who’s ahead of Darrin Walls, who also seems unlikely to play Monday because of a hamstring injury. “So we’ll see how it goes.”

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Colts receiver Andre Johnson has no recollection of trip to Revis Island (Kevin Armstrong) New York Daily News September 18, 2015

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-insider-johnson-doesn-recall-trip-revis-island-article-1.2365368

Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis and Colts receiver Andre Johnson have a history. Johnson was the first mark that really gave Revis a reputation of stopping top targets. The game was in 2009 and Revis limited Johnson to four catches for 35 yards. Johnson was with the Texans then.

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Johnson — who will see Revis again on Monday night in Indianapolis — maintained that he did not recall the battle.

“Not really,” Johnson said. “I don’t even know how long ago that was. It’s been a while since me and him (Revis) played against each other.

Johnson was slow out of the gates last weekend, but coach Chuck Pagano insisted he was not concerned about Johnson’s motor.

“He takes great care of himself. I have no worries about Andre,” Pagano said. “He’ll go out and compete at a high level, make plays for us.”

Johnson caught four balls for 24 yards against the Bills. Now in his 13th season, Johnson, a former first-round pick out of Miami, noted that his team needed to execute better in order to live up to Super Bowl expectations.

“I just think we didn’t play the way that we are capable of playing,” Johnson said. “We had a lot of mistakes, lot of penalties and stuff like that. It doesn’t matter who’s on your team, when you go out and play the way that we played, you’re not going to win.”

The Colts are also optimistic that wideout T.Y. Hilton will be ready to go Monday night after suffering a bruised knee in the loss to the Bills.

ON SECOND THOUGHT

The Jets are hurting in the secondary. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie (knee) wore a helmet on the practice field, but he did not participate Thursday. Fellow defensive back Darren Walls strained his hamstring at the end of practice on Wednesday.

NO PROBLEM

Pagano insisted that reports of a rift between the front office and the head coach were not leaking into the locker room after the team opened the season with a loss to the Bills last week in Buffalo. He also expected to move on from defeat quickly.

“This is a resilient bunch. They’ve been a resilient bunch,” Pagano said. “They understand it’s a long season. We’ve moved on a long time ago.”

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METRO NEW YORK

Jets rookie Smith close to debut (Kristian Dyer) Metro New York September 18, 2015

http://www.metro.us/kristian-dyer/jets-rookie-smith-close-to-debut/zsJois---xU37ZHj8RRAw/

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Devin Smith might be ready for his NFL debut this Monday, the New York Jets rookie wide receiver having lost the past month due to an injury suffered in training camp.

The Jets second round pick out of Ohio State, Smith suffered the injury to his ribs in training camp but returned to the practice field this week looking ready to contribute. Smith was a full participation in practice for a second straight day, signaling that he likely will be well enough to play Monday night at the Indianapolis Colts.

"It's been good, I'm feeling pretty good," Smith said on Friday.

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"Right now I'm not sure where I'm at. I have to see the trainers where I'm at. I'm moving around, feeling pretty good. Have to talk to the trainers, see what they got."

He wouldn't commit to a role on Monday night nor would head coach Todd Bowles who said that ""He practiced well, he had a full practice. It'll come down to gameday."

That's up to the trainers. Me personally, I feel fine. There could be something else going on, just don't know," Smith said. "I'm going to stick with the trainers, see what their plan is and go from there."

Smith could become an option in the slot or on the edge when he comes back. His return could mean an even smaller role for wide receiver Jeremy Kerley, who had just one snap last week on offense.

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Outspoken Demario Davis drops to one knee when players get hurt (Kristian Dyer) Metro New York September 18, 2015

http://www.metro.us/kristian-dyer/outspoken-demario-davis-drops-to-one-knee-when-players-get-hurt/zsJois---zY6zfZ7q5inA/

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Demario Davis may be an outspoken leader of the New York Jets locker room but there are times when the best thing he can do is simply be quiet. He did that most recently this past Sunday in the fourth quarter of the Jets blowout of the Cleveland Browns.

Davis had just seen teammate Lorenzo Mauldin fall to the ground and lay their motionless, the result of a play where the Jets rookie linebacker had forced a fumble but also had suffered a blow to the head. Mauldin wasn't moving and everyone in MetLife Stadium from players to fans feared for the worst case scenario. As his teammates watched the team doctors and training staff work on Mauldin for several minutes to finally get him on a stretcher, Davis did the one thing he could do.

Drop to one knee and pray.

Anyone who has talked to the Jets linebacker for a few minutes is likely to stumble across his faith in some way, shape of form; Davis very outspoken about his beliefs but there are moments when it is best to simply be quiet and be humble. And when he sees a player down on the field, such as Mauldin on Sunday, it means praying. It doesn't matter if it is a Jet or an opponent, even someone he was trying to tackle a few moments before.

His spirit tells him to pray. So he does.

"I pray that there is the least amount of severeness to it," Davis said.

"Anytime I see a player go down, sometimes you can't tell who it is. I ask God to cover them, protect them and that it won't be as bad. Comfort them and heal them, be with them. I feel like you can lessen the blow of the impact by praying over it."

He says he always drops to one knee to pray and that he doesn't make the prayer about victories or asking God for a great game, simply to be with the injured player on the field.

There was a time recently when a teammate had a bad knee injury and it was feared to be season-ending. Davis prayed that time as well and remembers his teammate being back on the field days later.

"I just try to cover those guys when they're on the ground," Davis said.

"Just pray. When someone gets injured, just pray that the Lord protects them as best as they can."

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FRIDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS

BASEBALL

American League

HOUSTON ASTROS — Reinstated C Jason Castro from the 15-day DL.

FOOTBALL

National Football League

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Released G Robert Myers from the practice squad. Signed G David Arkin to the practice squad.

HOCKEY

National Hockey League

ARIZONA COYOTES )— Signed D Stefan Elliott to a one-year, two-way contract.

COLLEGE

ECAC — Announced the formation of a Division II wrestling league to begin competition for the 2015-16 season, with members Newberry, Limestone, Emmanuel, Belmont Abbey, King (Tenn.), Coker and UNC-Pembroke.

RUTGERS — Named Marc Zolchonock director of men’s lacrosse operations.

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