The Jets are hopeful ’Tone Time is about to begin.
Coach Rex Ryan said he hopes wide receiver Santonio Holmes can play Sunday night against the Panthers. Holmes has been dealing with rib and back injuries that have kept him out of the first two preseason games.
Holmes practiced on a limited basis yesterday. He had a red no-contact jersey on and did positional drills as well as the offensive walkthrough.
The absence of Holmes and fellow receivers Jeremy Kerley (hamstring) and Chaz Schilens (ankle) has hindered the offense.
“I think we definitely have enough playmakers,” Ryan said. “Clearly, I would like to see three of our top receivers back on the field. That would help — Santonio Holmes, obviously being the headliner there, but Jeremy Kerley, I think is an excellent slot receiver. He was an outstanding punt returner last year. I would like to see him on the field and Schilens. You’re minus three weapons, that probably takes you down a little bit.”
Ryan said he does not expect Schilens to be ready for Sunday’s game. He hopes Kerley can play, but the trainers will be monitoring Kerley and Holmes all week. Kerley did positional drills in practice and caught punts yesterday. Schilens did not participate in practice.
* Punter T.J. Conley had a rough night against the Giants, shanking two punts that went 19 and 23 yards. That has fueled speculation the Jets might bring in another punter. But Ryan said he knows Conley can do the job and he just needs to do it more consistently.
“I have confidence,” Ryan said. “I know T.J. has enough ability to be a good punter in this league. He’s just got to get back to being consistent and last year I thought he had a decent year. He’s worked hard. There [have] been times out there where he looks like Ray Guy out there. We just have to see it consistently.”
Conley is averaging 41.3 yards per puntin the preseason, 35th in the NFL.
* Linebacker Nick Bellore donned a white jersey yesterday, signifying he was practicing with the offense. The Jets are working him at fullback, hoping he can provide depth behind starter John Conner.
While his defensive teammates are calling him “Fredo,” Bellore said the move is not permanent, but he will be working at fullback this week.
“It’s just a little crash course in it this week,” Bellore said. “I’ve got a pretty good grasp on the defense so getting a little extra work in on the offense I think helps. If nothing else, it gives John a little break in practice and takes a little strain off of him.”
* The Jets waived offensive tackle Stephon Heyer. … Despite having a need at receiver, the Jets did not put a waiver claim in on Jordan Shipley, according to a source. The Buccaneers were awarded Shipley off waivers from the Bengals.