NFL

Jets preparing to face Rob Gronkowski

The Jets have no idea whether they will see Rob Gronkowski on Sunday, but they’re planning on the big Patriots tight end being on the field.

“If he plays, he plays, if he don’t, he don’t,” linebacker Quinton Coples said. “We’ll be prepared for either or. What they’re doing over there, we have no concern.”

Gronkowski has not played this season after undergoing multiple offseason surgeries on his fractured left forearm. He has been practicing, though, leaving some to wonder what is taking so long for him to return to game action.

He was limited in practice Wednesday and Patriots coach Bill Belichick would not give out any further update beyond the league-mandated injury report.

“We’ll give our injury updates at the end of the day with the practice report to the league like we always do,” he told reporters in New England.

The Jets are constructing their defensive game plan this week figuring Gronkowski will play. Jets coach Rex Ryan said this week they will have two game plans — one with Gronkowski, one without. Gronkowski has scored four touchdowns in five career games against the Jets.

“He’s one of the best tight ends in the game right now,” cornerback Darrin Walls said. “He’s always a threat. Having him on the field for them is big.”

CB Dee Milliner was limited in practice, the first time he has been on the field since injuring his hamstring three weeks ago. He has missed the last three games. Ryan said he is optimistic Milliner will play this week.

The Jets could be without CB Kyle Wilson, who sustained a concussion in Sunday’s 19-6 loss to the Steelers.

There was an odd development with the Jets roster. WR Greg Salas, who the Jets signed from the Eagles practice squad Tuesday, could not practice because of a knee injury.

Ryan said the team knew he was hurt and he could miss a “couple” of weeks. It is strange for a team to pluck someone off another team’s practice squad if that player cannot contribute immediately.

Salas will have to stay on the Jets’ 53-man roster for three weeks, per NFL rules.

Ryan was asked if Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is like a vampire that needs to have a stake stuck through his heart to not come back in a game.

“I thought about doing all that stuff, but I think the league would fine you,” Ryan said. “I’ve been fined enough by the league so I’ll pass on that.”

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New England linebacker Jerod Mayo will miss the rest of the season, the latest serious injury to a Patriots defensive star. The former All-Pro selection underwent surgery for a torn pectoral muscle, according to a Yahoo! Sports report.