The Jets have lost their only 2006 Pro Bowl player for the season.
Cornerback Justin Miller, who averaged 28.3 yards per kickoff return last season and brought two back for touchdowns, was placed on injured reserve yesterday with a right knee injury.
It’s been a tumultuous few months for Miller, who in May was arrested outside a Manhattan night club for allegedly striking a woman during an argument. He, however, had been praised by Eric Mangini for having a strong offseason of work.
Miller suffered a thigh injury in training camp and never really got back into a rhythm. In the season opener against the Patriots, he was burned badly on a big reception by Randy Moss and was pulled from the game immediately afterward.
He played in the dime package during the Jets’ loss to the Ravens in Baltimore on Sunday and, on his only kickoff return of the game, a 22-yarder, he went down with the knee injury and never returned.
The Jets have used running back Leon Washington in place of Miller on kickoff returns, and Brad Smith was used there during preseason. As for replacing Miller at defensive back, it’s possible the Jets could sign former Patriots safety Artrell Hawkins, who recently visited.