It sounds as if the Jets will get one offensive weapon back Sunday but lose another.
Coach Rex Ryan said he expects tight end Dustin Keller to play against the 49ers after missing the previous two games with a hamstring injury. Rookie wide receiver Stephen Hill, however, has not practiced this week and is probably going to miss the game. He also has a hamstring injury.
“I would say you miss the first two days of practice you’re looking doubtful,” Ryan said.
Chaz Schilens and Jeremy Kerley would get more playing time if Hill can’t go.
Ryan also said if outside linebacker Bryan Thomas (hamstring) can play Sunday, he will start. Garrett McIntyre has filled in for Thomas over the last two weeks.
Linebacker Bart Scott hyperextended his toe on the second play of last week’s game in Miami. He said the doctors originally thought he would miss two or three weeks, but he said he’s hopeful he can play Sunday. Scott was limited in practice yesterday.
Keller, Thomas, wide receiver Patrick Turner (hamstring), fullback John Conner (knee) and safety Eric Smith (hip/knee) were all limited. Safety LaRon Landry had his regularly scheduled day off from practice as the team tries to keep him healthy.
* First-round draft pick Quinton Coples has played on just 30 percent of the Jets’ snaps through their first three games. Ryan said that number will climb and the defensive end has performed better in practice this week.
“I’m sure his play time will go up,” Ryan said. “It’s going to increase. He had his best day of practice yesterday. … After practice, I had him break us down. I think Q … I think he’s ready to go. I believe you’re going to see him a lot more.”
The Jets could opt to run more four-man fronts this week against the run-happy 49ers, which would keep Coples on the field more. He played just 17 snaps against the Dolphins last week. He has three tackles and two quarterback hits this year.
* Ryan called the 49ers’ Vernon Davis the best tight end in football on Wednesday, saying he is better than Rob Gronkowski of the Patriots. On Thursday, Ryan clarified what he meant.
“You know I had to get a shot in at a Patriot, of course,” Ryan said with laugh. “Vernon Davis is the No. 1 tight end in the league this week and when we play Gronkowski, Gronkowski will be. You know how that works by now.”
* Offensive coordinator Tony Sparano acknowledged what Sunday’s win over the Dolphins meant to him after serving four years as the head coach there.
“That was pretty special,” Sparano said. “It was nice. It’s in the rear-view mirror now.”