The mystery of who will start at cornerback for the Jets in their regular-season opener did not gain any clarity Friday.
Jets coach Rex Ryan said it is “still too early to tell” whether Dee Milliner will be recovered from a high left ankle sprain in time to face the Raiders next weekend.
“My understanding is he’s doing a good job with his treatment, but will he be back in time for the first game? I’m not sure yet,” Ryan said.
Antonio Allen, who moved from safety to cornerback after Milliner’s injury, sounds as if he is closer to being back on the field. Allen sustained a concussion last week in the game with the Giants.
“He seems to be progressing pretty nice,” Ryan said. “I saw him out there running today, so hopefully that’s a good sign.”
Ryan said Darrin Walls had an “outstanding training camp.” Walls likely will start if Milliner or Allen can’t play.
Ryan said he has not spoken with suspended cornerback Dimitri Patterson since Patterson called Ryan and general manager John Idzik liars in a statement on Thursday. The Jets could cut Patterson loose this weekend. He is eligible to be reinstated to the team Monday.
Teams must cut their rosters to 53 by 4 p.m. Saturday. Ryan would not disclose any cuts during the call Friday.
“We’ve been meeting,” Ryan said. “We’re discussing all the things that go into making the cuts and things, but again, we’re not going to make the announcements right now. Our list will probably be a complete list when we think it’s the appropriate time to do so.”
The biggest roster question is at wide receiver, where 2012 second-round pick Stephen Hill is on the bubble. Ryan danced around a question specifically about Hill. He did not rule out keeping seven wide receivers, which would leave room for Hill and Greg Salas.
“I’m not going to rule out anything,” Ryan said. “If you think you’re extremely strong at a certain spot, then maybe you keep those guys because they’re the best players. We’re going through all those scenarios now.”
Ryan was not sure how serious the injuries LB Nick Bellore (calf) and S Josh Bush (quad) suffered against the Eagles are. He did say CB Johnny Patrick (head) would have been allowed to return to the game, a sign it is not a concussion. … Ryan said the team remains unsure if LB Antwan Barnes will be shifted to the regular season PUP list. They must make that decision by 4 p.m. Saturday.