The Jets offense may be getting one of its key weapons back this week.
Jets coach Rex Ryan said yesterday he believes starting tight end Dustin Keller will be able to play Sunday after missing the last four games with a hamstring injury.
“I’m encouraged,” Ryan said. “When I talked to Dustin last, he felt that he’s going to be able to go this week. I think that will give us a huge boost.”
Quarterback Mark Sanchez has clearly missed Keller, one of his favorite targets. Keller originally suffered the injury in the preseason, but returned to play Week 1 against the Bills. He aggravated the injury in that game and has been out ever since.
Keller led the team in receptions in each of the last two years. The Jets view Keller’s return as being like acquiring a player through a trade.
“It will be good to get Dustin Keller back,” Ryan said. “You’re talking about one of the better receiving tight ends in football.”
* C Nick Mangold had an MRI exam on his right ankle yesterday after rolling it in Monday night’s game. Mangold returned to the game against the Texans after missing just two plays, so the injury was not considered serious.
But Mangold suffered a high ankle sprain in the same leg last year, so the Jets wanted to make sure there was no significant injury. The Jets did not announce the results of the test, but Ryan said on 98.7 ESPN Radio the injury was not as “severe” as last year and he assumes Mangold will play Sunday.
* The Jets have no interest in veteran free agent WR Terrell Owens, according to a source. Owens tweeted on Monday night that he was available and the Jets should call his agent.
* The Jets lost reserve LB Josh Mauga for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. Mauga is a key backup on the Jets defense, playing significant time in sub packages. He also plays a lot on special teams. This is the third season-ending injury the Jets have suffered in the last three weeks. … NT Kenrick Ellis injured his knee on Monday. Ryan said Ellis does not have a torn ACL. If Ellis only suffered a sprain, he will be out several weeks.
WR Clyde Gates injured his left shoulder. He said after the game that it “popped out.” Ryan was unsure how bad Gates’ injury was.