Jets linebacker and leading tackler David Harris didn’t practice for the second consecutive day yesterday because of his sprained right ankle, but Rex Ryan said he expects him to play against the Bengals on Saturday.
“I think he’s going to go because of the kind of guy he is,” Ryan said. “He’s jogging on it, so hopefully he’ll be able to practice [today], but more importantly play.”
Even if Harris, who sprained the ankle late in the second half of Sunday’s game, does play, there is some worry that he won’t be 100 percent. That could be a major issue with Bengals No. 1 RB Cedric Benson well-rested after taking last week’s game off.
“It’s a big concern,” Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said. “It’s encouraging that he started to run a little bit [yesterday], but for us to have one of our key guys a game-time decision is a problem. It’ll be big for us if he can go.”
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Thomas Jones turned up on the injury report with a swollen knee, but Ryan insisted, “He’s going to play.”
Jones, after practice, said, ”I’m fine.”
The players who were limited in practice were WR Jerricho Cotchery (hip), LB Ryan Fowler (head) and CB Donald Strickland.
Punter Steve Weatherford, who tweaked a hamstring last week in practice, punted yesterday after resting Tuesday and is expected to be fine. Special teams coach Mike Westhoff, said Weatherford had “one of his best practices” of the season yesterday.
JETS SHOULD THANK BENGALS’ BENSON
PALMER PUTS PLAYOFF DEBUT IN PAST
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With rumors swirling about Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer being a potential head coaching candidate in Buffalo, Schottenheimer talked about how happy he is with the Jets.
“For the last couple of years I’ve had opportunities [to be a head coach] and I was very interested,” Schottenheimer said. “But for the first time in a really long time, I’m really happy. I’m very happy here, I love the area and I like what Rex is doing here.”
Schottenheimer said he’s “trying to be the best offensive coordinator” he can be and if he keeps doing that “I think at some point there will be opportunities [to be a head coach].”
With rumors also out there about his father, Marty, coming out of retirement to coach again, Schottenheimer said, “He’s told me the last couple of years he’s done. He’s enjoyed being retired. If it was the right job, I think he would listen. But at the end of the day, it would take a lot to get him off the golf course.”