NFL

Ryan calls out Kerley

CORTLAND — Rex Ryan called out wide receiver Jeremy Kerley Saturday — a rare public rebuke of one of his players by the Jets head coach.

Kerley missed Saturday’s practice with a hamstring injury, the same injury that cost him time in the spring. Ryan was asked about the injury, then said he was “disappointed” in the second-year wide receiver.

“Jeremy needs to step it up, because, quite honestly, I was a little disappointed in Jeremy in the offseason,” Ryan said. “He’s got to pick up this system, this new system. He’s got to put the time in it.”

Ryan said he expects Kerley to miss about a week. This is the second time Ryan has publicly called for Kerley to step up his game. He also did it in June.

Kerley had a strong rookie season last year, becoming the team’s primary punt returner and slot receiver. Ryan said if Kerley is not the team’s slot receiver, Santonio Holmes could be moved into the slot in three-receiver sets.

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Tight end Dustin Keller is entering the final year of his contract and hoped to get a new deal before the season. The team, though, will wait to see how he plays this year before making a long-term commitment.

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“In my perfect world I would have one done around this time,” Keller said. “It is what it is. That’s their choice. I’m still under contract and I’m going to play it out and hopefully something gets done.”

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The Jets are toying with the idea of using cornerback Antonio Cromartie at wide receiver. They did it a few times last year, and Ryan and offensive coordinator Tony Sparano mentioned doing it again this year.

“We don’t want to ever be held prisoner to the system, meaning this is all you can do because this is what you have,” Sparano said. “If you had a player like Cromartie and he can do other things, then you would use him. You should use all of your weapons.”

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The Jets will have their first practice in pads Sunday. The first two days were in helmets and “shells.” … Linebacker Aaron Maybin impressed yesterday, spending time in the backfield and recording what would have been two sacks if they were tackling. … Ryan said he believes the AFC East is the best division in football. … How bad was the rain at Saturday’s practice? “ I saw animals pairing up out there,” Ryan said.