Jets guard Matt Slauson has come under fire for a block he threw on Texans linebacker Brian Cushing on Monday night that resulted in Cushing being lost for the season with a torn ACL in his left knee.
There has been speculation that the block was illegal. The NFL will review the play and decide whether Slauson will be fined.
Slauson did not understand why the play was receiving so much attention.
“Every coach I’ve ever had has taught to cut on the backside of an outside zone [running play],” Slauson said. “I don’t know why this is a big deal. I feel bad that Cushing got hurt. That wasn’t my intent at all, but I’ve got to do my job.”
There are specific rules about how and where a cut block can be delivered. It seems like it is open to interpretation.
“I’ve been told by my coaches it was a clean block, so it would be a surprise [to be fined],” Slauson said. “I hope I don’t. If I do, I’ll just deal with it.”
* Jets owner Woody Johnson got a lot of attention for what he said about Tim Tebow yesterday on CNBC. But his more stunning comment may have been about Texans defense end J.J. Watt, who batted down three passes against the Jets.
“We should have done a better job of accounting for him and keeping an eye spy on him wherever he is and essentially don’t throw in that area or throw extremely high,” Johnson said.
No word on whether the Jets coaches are consulting Johnson this week.
Center Nick Mangold did not practice yesterday after spraining his right ankle Monday. Mangold said it feels better than last year when he had a high ankle sprain that cost him two games. Both coach Rex Ryan and Mangold said they are hopeful he can play Sunday. Mangold would not say what the exact diagnosis was.
The Indianapolis Star reported Colts LB Robert Mathis will miss Sunday’s game with a knee injury. The Colts also will be without starting RB Donald Brown, who had knee surgery. He will be replaced by rookie Vick Ballard.
The Jets signed DL Daniel Muir yesterday in response to injuries they’ve suffered on the defensive line. NT Sione Po’uha (back) did not practice yesterday. His backup, Kenrick Ellis, sprained the MCL and PCL in his knee and said he will miss 4-6 weeks. … FB John Conner (hamstring) and WR Clyde Gates (shoulder) also did not practice. WR Stephen Hill (hamstring) was limited after missing last week’s game.
— With AP