Antonio Cromartie was limited in practice Friday and is questionable for the Jets’ game Sunday at Carolina. The cornerback has been going through the NFL-mandated concussion protocol after suffering the injury last Sunday against Oakland.
“He was limited [Friday] so we’ll see how that is. Again, he’s got to pass the concussion protocol and that goes into right before the game,’’ coach Rex Ryan said of Cromartie, who missed part of practice while being examined. “He was seeing a doctor and then he came back. He was cleared to practice, but he was limited [Friday] because he missed part of practice.”
Just being cleared to practice isn’t the same as being cleared to play, and Cromartie still has to pass an examination in Carolina to be able to face the Panthers.
“He was able to participate, but that doesn’t mean you’re cleared to play,’’ Ryan said. “The concussion protocol in the NFL, you’ll fly to the game, [but] before the NFL puts you on the field, you have to be cleared by different people, by the doctors, to participate. So he can look great right now, but you go to a game, if something’s not right, they’re not going to put the young man out there.’’
Cromartie acknowledged on Thursday that he had suffered headaches and symptoms of a concussion in the fourth quarter last Sunday, but hid it from the trainers and medical staff. Ryan reiterated Friday he had no idea at the time.
If he’s sidelined, the Jets could play Ellis Lankster or Darrin Walls in his place.
Free safety Ed Reed and tight end Kellen Winslow (knee), who both got a day of rest during the practice week, were both practicing on Friday, the latter limited.
Ryan downplayed wide receiver Santonio Holmes calling the Panthers’ secondary their “weakest link” as blown out of proportion simply because of his reputation, but said if Carolina wants to come after Holmes, go for it.
“He certainly wasn’t trying to be disrespectful,’’ Ryan said. “He said if you’re going to take a weakness it’d be the secondary. But typical if Santonio says it it’s going to be blown up. But, certainly [he] didn’t mean [to] disrespect them. This might be the only defense in the league that’s in the Top 10 in every category.
“But, hey, if they want to take a shot at Santonio go for it, because shoot, he’s a competitor. I know he’s excited about playing. We’re all excited.’’