All indications are the Jets will not have running back LaDainian Tomlinson for tomorrow night’s game with the Broncos.
A source said the Jets had not officially ruled Tomlinson won’t play as of last night, but “it looks that way.” Tomlinson sprained his left MCL in Sunday’s 37-16 loss to the Patriots.
Tomlinson did not sound optimistic.
“I will tell you if the game was Sunday, I don’t think I’d have a problem playing,” Tomlinson said. “That it is a short week adds a little bit more pressure and it’s a little bit more difficult to do. If I don’t play this game, I absolutely will play against Buffalo [on Nov. 27].”
Jets coach Rex Ryan sounded as if he was going to give the veteran running back a chance today to see how he feels before the Jets board the plane for Denver. If he can’t play, he won’t make the trip.
“If he thinks he can help the team, he’s going to go,” Ryan said.
Tomlinson did not practice yesterday. ESPN reported he suffered a setback in practice, but Tomlinson denied that. He believes it would be tough for him to play because the Jets have already game-planned as if he won’t be ready to play.
“You kind of start to think one way, ‘he’s not out here, he’s not going to make it,’ ” Tomlinson said. “Then they move forward with the game plan and then all of a sudden it’s like, oh, he’s going to play. It makes it tough.”
Joe McKnight will get many of the carries Tomlinson usually does if he can’t play. Rookie Bilal Powell would be active for the first time.
* Safety Brodney Pool (sprained left MCL) has been ruled out of tomorrow’s game. Ryan said he had a cortisone shot to reduce swelling. WRs Jeremy Kerley (knee) and Patrick Turner (kidney) did not practice. Ryan said they would be evaluated today to see if they can make the trip, and if the can, their playing status would be a game-time decision. CB Darrelle Revis (knee) was limited in practice, but Ryan said he will play.
RB Willis McGahee (hamstring) and S Brian Dawkins (ankle) were limited for the Broncos.
* Jets CB Antonio Cromartie said he admires Broncos QB Tim Tebow for being so open about his religion.
“The biggest thing that stands out to me is a guy that’s outspoken about his Christianity,” Cromartie said. “Actually, I think we need more men to be more like that. I think the world would be a whole lot better.”
Tebow appreciated hearing that.
“Well, I think that’s very nice of him to say,” Tebow said.