The Jets’ secondary could be their primary concern on Sunday.
Top cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who hyperextended his knee as a result of a non-contact injury during Thursday’s practice, did not participate in practice on Friday and is listed as questionable to play against the Steelers. He will be a game-time decision.
When Cromartie’s knee gave out and he fell to the ground while changing directions on a goal-line play in Thursday’s practice, coach Rex Ryan immediately feared the worst. But the Jets coach said the injury does not appear to be serious.
“He went down and to be honest with you, it was one of those hold-your-breath type deals. I did at least,” Ryan said after Friday’s practice. “It’s unbelievable, because a guy like him who’s in phenomenal shape, you’re thinking he’s never going to get hurt, never takes a play off and then there he is laying on the ground. Obviously, there’s a big concern, but later we found out he’s going to be OK. I don’t know if he’s going to play in this game or not, but it seems like he’s going to be OK.”
If Cromartie is able to play, Ryan said he was unsure if the two-time Pro Bowler — who rarely comes off the field — would be limited.
“We’ll give him every benefit of the doubt,” Ryan said. “If we think he’s good to go, let’s go, but if not, clearly we’re not going to put him out there if he’s at risk.”
Cromartie’s potential absence puts the Jets in a more precarious position, with rookie cornerback Dee Milliner ruled out for the third straight game with a strained hamstring.
The first-round pick had been hoping to play on Sunday, but said he definitely would expect to be ready for the following week’s game against the Patriots.
“I’m feeling better each day,” Milliner said after doing some individual work at practice. “It’s just some tightness when I’m running. When I get to a certain level when I run I feel uncomfortable, but it’s been getting better each time that I’ve been doing it.”
Ryan said Darrin Walls and Kyle Wilson will be the starting cornerbacks if Cromartie is unable to play, with Isaiah Trufant working in nickel packages.
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Wide receiver Santonio Holmes (foot/hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game and tackle Oday Aboushi (knee) is listed as questionable. Steelers rookie wide receiver Markus Wheaton (finger) will not play.
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After winning the AFC Player of the Week award, quarterback Geno Smith was voted by fans as the Pepsi Next NFL Rookie of the Week.
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Jets guard Willie Colon spent his first seven seasons with the Steelers, and despite their slow start, he said he still thinks Pittsburgh’s defense is one of the most dangerous in the league because of safety Troy Polamalu’s unpredictability.
“You can’t account for Troy,” Colon told The Post. “You better have your antennas up. He’s one of football’s phenomenons. There’s some things you see, you’re like, ‘What did he see to make him do that?’ It’s just his instinct. He’ll forever be an enigma in that regard. All you can do to prepare for him is do your best and try and control him.”
The Jets plan on signing LB Troy Davis off the practice squad, according to a source.
Additional reporting by Brian Costello