The Jets’ season has followed the path of receiver Stephen Hill’s rookie campaign — a great start, followed by a few disappointing weeks, and now the hope of a turnaround.
After two straight losses, the Jets (2-3) are looking to get back on the right track Sunday at MetLife Stadium against the Colts, as is the 6-foot-4 Hill, who is expected to return from a nagging hamstring injury.
“I’m going to try to make a big difference, as much as I can, any play I’m in,” the speedy second-round pick out of Georgia Tech said.
Friday, following practice, he welcomed reporters and the accompanying television cameras with open arms once he walked into the locker room.smiling broadly after three frustrating weeks of inactivity, Hill couldn’t wait to share his good news with the media.
“I’m definitely 100 percent,” he said. “I’m playing [Sunday].”
The Jets and Mark Sanchez are equally ecstatic to have him back after a two-game absence. They have been relying on journeymen Clyde Gates and Jason Hill with limited success.
Stephen Hill said he felt “pretty good” after practice, even if he was limited. Coach Rex Ryan said Hill will play, though he wasn’t sure how much.
“He can have a big impact because he has that great vertical speed and he’s got size,” Ryan said.
Hill said he isn’t putting any extra pressure on himself without No. 1 receiver Santonio Holmes lining up by his side.
For most of training camp, Hill pointed out, Holmes was limited and he spoke with the team’s neophyte receivers about what would happen if he did get hurt during the season.
“He preached that in my ear when we were in Cortland, ‘When I’m gone, it’s time for you to shine, time for Jeremy Kerley to shine, time for Chaz Schilens to shine,’” Hill recalled. “‘Don’t worry about me. Make sure you can go out there and do your thing.’ ”
Hill’s season began on a high note, catching five passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns in a rout of Buffalo. It was followed by a disappointing road loss in Pittsburgh where Hill was held without a reception. In an overtime win over Miami, he sustained the injury and was on the sideline nursing the hamstring over the last few weeks.
“It’s long enough,” Hill said. “I’m just ready to get back out there and help the team.”
Now that he is back, along with Keller, the Jets hope their fortunes improve, or at least their passing game becomes more dangerous.
The Jets gladly will take production in between Hill’s brilliant opener and his no-show second performance.