Santonio Holmes did not practice again Thursday and later hinted he could be out of action until after the Jets’ bye week next month.
It’s always hard to figure out exactly what Holmes is thinking, to determine how much of what he says to the media is designed just to be difficult and how much is what he believes. But Holmes was asked about the bye week, which comes in two weeks for the Jets and he sounded as if he believes that extra week of rest will help him recover from his hamstring injury.
“At this point, I think the bye week is coming at a great time,” Holmes said. “It will give me five, maybe six weeks to get healthy and I should be ready to roll.”
Holmes has missed the past three games with the hamstring injury. When he was asked to clarify his comments because it sounded as if he was saying he did not think he would play Sunday against the Bengals or Nov. 3 against the Saints, Holmes bristled.
“I didn’t say that,” he said. “Don’t put words in my mouth.”
During practice Thursday, Holmes ran one route during wide-receiver drills and then stopped. He said that was his decision. Holmes said he would be cautious in his return so that he does not aggravate the injury.
“That’s one thing I don’t want, any setbacks at this point,” Holmes said. “I already missed a full season last year [with a foot fracture] and I want to be back on the team to help these guys as much as possible. I think I would be a downside to the team if I put myself back on that list of being injured for the remainder of the season.”
Owner Woody Johnson was asked about coach Rex Ryan’s future with the team at an event in New York on Thursday to promote the Super Bowl. Johnson reiterated what he has been saying about Ryan’s future.
“I’ll make a statement after the season,” Johnson said. “I never make any comments regarding contracts during the season. The only thing I’ll say is, I’m happy with him. I think he’s a good teacher, maybe even a great teacher, and I believe in him.”
Special teams coach Ben Kotwica was coy when asked about his role in tipping off officials Sunday about the Patriots pushing on kicks. The Post reported Monday Kotwica was the one who told the refs to keep an eye on the Patriots during the field-goal sequence that ended the game.
“I would just tell you that those discussions are private and I’m going to honor that and keep it that way,” Kotwica said.
Ryan was unhappy with Thursday’s practice, saying the Jets lacked focus and there were a number of dropped passes.
“We take it on ourselves as receivers anytime the ball’s on the ground, we take it hard on ourselves,” wide receiver Jeremy Kerley said. “Practice was a little lackadaisical today, but we’ve got to pick it up. We know what’s ahead of us.”
Holmes was the only Jet who did not practice. TE Jeff Cumberland (hamstring) returned on a limited basis. Cumberland said he expects to play Sunday. … Kerley was limited with a hamstring injury, but said he is fine. … S Antonio Allen (groin, finger), C Nick Mangold (ribs), TE Konrad Reuland (knee) and WR Greg Salas (knee) were also limited. … Patriots CB Logan Ryan was fined $10,000 for grabbing his crotch as he scored Sunday on an interception return against the Jets.