As the Jets offense tried to work through its problems yesterday, there was one noticeable piece of the unit missing.
Wide receiver Plaxico Burress was excused from practice yesterday and today, the team said. Burress was in Virginia, participating in charitable work. ESPN reported he was visiting his old high school and handing out turkeys to needy families.
A team spokesman said Jets coach Rex Ryan gave Burress permission to miss the days several months ago. At the time, Ryan expected this to be a regular week when the players are off on Tuesdays and Monday consists of film review but no practice.
Instead, the Jets’ day off this week was moved to Thursday and the team practiced yesterday and will do so again today.
* Safety Eric Smith said he has replayed the Broncos’ final drive in his head repeatedly since Thursday night. On the final play, Smith said his responsibility was to cover the tight end Dante Rosario. If Rosario blocked, he was to blitz. When Rosario hesitated, so did Smith. Then, Smith decided to blitz. Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow raced outside him on his way to a 20-yard touchdown.
“If I had to do it over again, I would say [forget] covering the tight end,” Smith said. “I’m just going to run up the field.”
* Several key Jets missed practice yesterday because of injuries. Running backs LaDainian Tomlinson (knee) and Shonn Greene (ribs), safety Brodney Pool (knee), wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (knee) and left guard Matt Slauson (knee) all sat out. Ryan said expects all five to play against the Bills.