Running back Mike Goodson, still hoping to make his Jets debut Monday night, took the field for practice Friday, but didn’t finish the session. He left after about 15 minutes when his hamstring tightened up, walking off in the company of a Jets trainer.
Goodson rode a stationary bike for the rest of the practice that was open to the media. Gang Green is still hopeful of Goodson suiting up against the Falcons.
“He was a little tight today and he went with the trainers for awhile,” coach Rex Ryan said. “The thing about Mike is, like we’ve said, we’ll see how he progresses during the week. It’s tough when you’ve been out that long … so how many reps he plays, I’ll just say like I did yesterday, I hope he plays. That’s what I’m hoping for.
“We’ll see how he comes along. I’m not overly concerned with [the injury].’’
Goodson had just completed his four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, and Friday makred his third practice since arriving in the offseason. Special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica said if Goodson plays, he could get some opportunities to return kicks.
“I don’t think there’s much of anything there, but we’ll see,’’ offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said. “I’m excited to get Mike rolling just a bit. We’ve got to do this thing right, now, to prevent fatigue and injury.’’
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RB Chris Ivory (hamstring) was limited and took part in individual drills, an auspicious sign he might play. But CB Dee Milliner (hamstring) was on the bike and didn’t practice. Ryan had said Thursday if Milliner doesn’t practice, it’ll be hard for him to play, which would move Darrin Walls to cornerback and Kyle Wilson in at nickel.
“I think [Milliner] will be back soon,” Ryan said. “He was having his best day on the practice field when he got the hamstring. I think it’s just a matter of him getting back healthy, and then some bad luck more than anything.”
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WR Clyde Gates (knee) was limited, while WR Santonio Holmes (hamstring/foot) didn’t practice. QB Mark Sanchez, on the short-term IR but rarely seen at practice as he rehabs his injured shoulder, made a cameo and rode the stationary bike.
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The Jets plucked TE Zach Sudfeld off waivers from the Patriots,and released LB Scott Solomon.
Sudfeld, an undrafted free agent, drew attention with solid performances in camp and the preseason, but hasn’t caught a pass in the regular season. He had a huge Week 1 drop that led to an interception, and missed Week 2 with a hamstring injury.