For every detail that emerges about Jalen Saunders’ auto accident and subsequent hospitalization, the Jets shroud another in clandestine mystery.
What we know is the rookie wide receiver “experienced a medical event” while driving near Gang Green’s team complex Friday morning, according to a report the Florham Park police provided The Post. He was hospitalized but was released Sunday and was at the Jets complex Monday.
But the report doesn’t say what that event is, and Rex Ryan either wouldn’t or couldn’t.
“Right now, we’re taking a cautious approach with him, a smart approach. He won’t play this week. We’ll see how he progresses. I know our trainers and our doctors are going to monitor his situation,’’ said Ryan, unsure of when Saunders will practice but ruling him out for Friday against the Giants. “He can tell you a lot better than I could what happened, how he is and all that kind of stuff.’’
When asked if his wasn’t disclosing what was wrong with Saunders for privacy reasons or if he was still awaiting tests and medical information, Ryan claimed, “I don’t have that information right now to tell you.’’
What’s clear is Saunders was driving his 2014 Toyota at the intersection of Park Ave. and Florham Park Road at 7:50 a.m. Friday when, according to the report, he turned left and “experienced a medical event.” His car veered across the north lanes, striking a curb and “coming to a rest in high grass.” It was eventually towed to the Jets’ complex.
The receiver wasn’t given a drug or alcohol test at the scene according to the report, there is no pending investigation and the case is closed. He was conscious and accepted medical treatment when first responders arrived on the scene, according to NJ.com, and was taken to Morristown Medical Center.
Ryan confirmed an MRI exam on Dee Milliner revealed a high left ankle sprain, but said the corner has made encouraging progress. Milliner was on the bike Monday and walking without a boot.
“He’s being aggressive with his rehab and he’s progressing nicely. What that means, I guess we’ll see,” Ryan said. “But I know he’s really attacking the rehab part of it, and he’s doing well. We feel confident it’s healing nicely.”
CB Dimitri Patterson (calf/ankle/quad) practiced on a limited basis, which Ryan called “encouraging” despite all three body parts still ailing. He hoped the veteran would be ready for Week 1 against Oakland.
C Nick Mangold (toe) sat out but downplayed his toe injury. TE Jeff Cumberland (Achilles), Shaq Evans (shoulder) and CB Ras-I Dowling (groin) were out, WR Eric Decker, RB Chris Ivory (ribs), DB Jeremy Reeves (knee) and OL Markus Zusevics (knee) limited.