Jets defensive linemen Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples could be slapped with fines after their hit of Titans quarterback Jake Locker on Sunday that knocked him out of the game.
No flag was thrown on the play, but the NFL will review the hit to see if it was illegal, according to a source.
In the third quarter, Wilkerson hit Locker just after he released the ball. Locker twisted awkwardly and then Coples collided with him. It was unclear whether Locker’s momentum carried him into Coples or if the second-year linebacker dipped his shoulder into Locker.
Locker was carted off and taken to a local hospital with a right hip injury. The Titans have not revealed the severity of the injury but multiple reports say Locker will miss a significant amount of time for the 3-1 Titans.
Titans coach Mike Munchak called both hits “unnecessary” to reporters in Nashville on Monday. Jets coach Rex Ryan said the hit was clean.
“Clearly, in my opinion, Muhammad did what you’re supposed to do, lower your target. He did that,” Ryan said. “Obviously, there wasn’t malicious intent on his part. In my opinion, it was a clean hit.”
Another hit the NFL is certainly going to look at is Titans safety Michael Griffin’s hit on Jets wide receiver Stephen Hill on the second play of the game. It appeared Griffin hit him helmet-to-helmet. Hill suffered a concussion and did not return to the game.
Like the hit on Locker, no penalty was called.
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Jets RB Mike Goodson’s four-game suspension ended Monday. He was able to go through the team’s walkthrough and can play Monday in Atlanta.
“Words can’t even express how excited I am,” Goodson said. “Just being able to be back out there.”
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Cornerback Dee Milliner and running back Chris Ivory, who missed Sunday’s game with hamstring injuries, both said they hope to be able to play this week, but have to see what the trainers say first. … Ryan’s stepmother, Joanie Ryan, died after a long bout with Alzheimer’s. Her funeral is Tuesday in Kentucky. Ryan will attend the services, but will be back in time for practice Wednesday. There is no practice on Tuesdays.