If the Jets get the ball first Sunday, Brad Smith would need to be ready by kickoff, but he might not be available.
Smith — an integral part of the Jets’ offense and a key member of their special teams — is dealing with an injured groin and is questionable for Sunday’s AFC Divisional game against the Patriots.
The Jets’ electric jack-of-all-trades player hasn’t practiced the past two days.
“I hope to play and we’ll see how the rest of the week goes,” Smith said yesterday. “Hopefully get out [today] and see what I can do, see how it feels. Just got to be smart with it. Muscle injuries are tricky and just put my trust in the trainers, trust in God and hope for the best.”
The Jets certainly would miss Smith if he can’t play, because he is effective running Wildcat plays from the quarterback position, which could help keep the Patriots’ defense off balance. The Jets employ the Wildcat regularly, in which Smith has the option of running, throwing or pitching to a running back, but without Smith, they would lose that threat.
The Jets also would lose a valuable kick returner. Smith was a superb return man this season, ranking second in the NFL with a 28.6-yard average, and he took one back for a touchdown against the Steelers.
After hurting his groin against the Colts on Saturday, he was replaced on kickoffs by Antonio Cromartie, who was fantastic. Cromartie reeled off a 41-yard return to open the second half and a crucial 47-yard return to set up Nick Folk’s game-winning field goal.
Despite Cromartie’s heroics, coach Rex Ryan said if Smith plays against the Patriots, he will return kickoffs.
Smith said his injury is not only painful, but it can hurt his effectiveness as a runner.
“You’ve got just as far as function, being able to have the strength and the power that’s generated from the groin,” he said. “That all comes into account.”
Smith said he is feeling better, but couldn’t put a percentage on his chances of playing.
“I haven’t really tested it full out, which is the smart thing to do,” he said. “I’m just building up to it and was able to do some light running [yesterday], which felt pretty good. We’ll see how [today] goes.”