Wide receiver Stephen Hill’s season-ending knee injury will require surgery, which is scheduled to take place next week.
Coach Rex Ryan originally had stated on Thursday that the rookie, who was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday, would not need surgery after suffering an LCL sprain in the Dec. 9 win at Jacksonville.
The injury was just another push to keep the revolving door of receivers spinning, which Ryan contributes to a lack of chemistry in the NFL’s 30th-ranked passing attack. Several injuries, most notably to Santonio Holmes and Dustin Keller, have resulted in 12 different receivers or tight ends tallying receptions this season.
Ryan noted how keeping track of the receiving corps has been almost as difficult as bringing them up to speed.
“We haven’t had a consistent group of receivers,” Ryan said after Friday’s practice. “Sometimes I look out there and I don’t even know who the kid is. ‘Who’s this? OK, this is our new wideout. You’re starting by the way.’ There’s been some inconsistency with the personnel out there that’s stunted our development a little bit.”
Sanchez agreed it has been challenging, but wouldn’t shirk the responsibility that he knows ultimately falls on him.
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“There’s been a little bit of turnover, but at the same time you got to work with what you have,” Sanchez said. “Those guys are working incredibly hard to develop that kind of chemistry. They try and come in and learn as fast as possible. Kind of the way it goes.”
* Keller (ankle) and cornerback Aaron Berry (hamstring) both did not practice and are listed as doubtful for tomorrow’s game against the Chargers. Keller is basically a lock to miss his third straight game, and seventh overall this season.
“We all know what doubtful means when I say it,” Ryan said.
Wide receiver Mardy Gilyard (illness) also did not practice, and is questionable.
* Rookie defensive end Quinton Coples was fined $15,750 for roughing the passer when he made helmet-to-helmet contact with Titans quarterback Jake Locker on Monday, while Tennessee safety Jordan Babineaux was fined $7,875 for unnecessary roughness after he grabbed the facemask of Jets running back Bilal Powell.
* The Jets team awards were announced, with cornerback Antonio Cromartie being named the team MVP, which is voted on by the players.
Linebacker David Harris won the Dennis Byrd Most Inspirational award, and tight end Jeff Cumberland took the honors for the Ed Block Courage award, both being voted on by the players.
The media relations staff voted quarterback Greg McElroy and offensive tackle Austin Howard co-winners of the Kyle Clifton Good Guy award, while the Marty Lyons Community Service went to defensive tackle Mike DeVito.