FLORHAM PARK – Jets linebacker David Harris today was listed as doubtful for the team’s game at Buffalo this weekend with a strained groin.
“His status is unchanged,” Eric Mangini said of Harris. “We are a lot better than we were on Monday. He’s still working away, like Bubba (Franks) is and all those (injured players).”
Harris, who leads the Jets with 52 tackles, didn’t practice all week after leaving in the second quarter of the Jets’ 28-24 victory over Kansas City on Sunday. As he had the previous two days, Harris rode a stationary bike during the time the media are allowed to watch.
Veteran David Bowens likely would start in Harris’ place if the second-year linebacker can’t play.
“I have always prepared and always been ready and when I went in last week nothing ever changed,” Bowens said. “I was the same and my preparation has always been the same.”
Starting safety Eric Smith, who had two concussions in three weeks and was pulled late in the first half Sunday after taking a glancing blow, will not play against the Bills after not practicing all week.
Mangini said earlier in the week that Smith did not suffer another concussion, but the team took him out against Kansas City for precautionary reasons. James Ihedigbo, signed from the practice squad Wednesday, could see some time at safety with starter Kerry Rhodes and Abram Elam, along with cornerbacks David Barrett and Hank Poteat.
“(Ihedigbo) had some good opportunities in the preseason, which overall he did a pretty good job with,” Mangini said. “He has an excellent motor.”
Franks (hip) didn’t practice all week and was listed as doubtful. Linebacker Cody Spencer (shoulder) and tight end Chris Baker (hip) were questionable. Wide receivers Laveranues Coles (thigh) and Jerricho Cotchery (shoulder) were limited for the third straight day, but are probable.
With AP, New York Jets