Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie returned to the practice field Thursday for the first time since suffering a concussion in Sunday’s game against the Raiders.
Cromartie was limited in practice and wore a red jersey to signify he could have no contact. Cromartie said he feels fine, but is not sure when or if the doctors will clear him to play this week against the Panthers.
“I don’t know,” Cromartie said when asked if he’ll play. “We’ve got to see how everything goes. Honestly, I can’t tell you that.”
It is a good sign for the Jets that Cromartie has been cleared to practice, even on a limited basis, and was permitted to speak to reporters. Those are indications his concussion is not that serious.
Cromartie said he suffered the concussion when he and safety Ed Reed collided with 6:18 left in the third quarter on a Rod Streater catch that went for a 48-yard touchdown. Cromartie said he did not feel any symptoms immediately and was not checked for a concussion on the sideline. Cromartie got a headache with about five minutes left to play in the game, but kept playing. After the game, he told the doctors he had a headache and was diagnosed with a concussion.
Cromartie said he does not feel any symptoms now.
Reed received a rest day Thursday, meaning he did not have to practice. He went through the team walk-through and meetings, but sat out of practice.
“That was more of the let’s get him right for Sunday,” coach Rex Ryan said. “Sometimes you’ll do this for veteran players. … We’ve given some veteran players [rest] to make sure that we’re getting them at their very best. Don’t leave it on the practice field.”
Reed joked: “Sometimes you have to give Nolan Ryan a rest.”
The 35-year-old safety said he feels pretty good right now and his surgically repaired hip is improving each week. Reed said he’d rather practice, but understands what Ryan is doing.
“I know it’s needed,” Reed said. “You have to be smart once you get in the latter part of your years or if you had injuries. You have to take care of yourself. Coach came to me. Do I like it? Not as much because I’m so used to getting the reps and seeing what’s happening and it helps you to stay acclimated to what’s going on. I encourage guys to practice so they can see the reps. I also understand where I’m at in my career.”
WR Stephen Hill (knee) did not practice again and it appears unlikely he will play. … Cromartie, WR Santonio Holmes (foot/hamstring) and TE Kellen Winslow (knee) were limited in practice. … Panthers TE Greg Olsen (foot) was limited.