Kerley could be shuffled off field
SHIFTY SLOT RECEIVER Jeremy Kerley signed a four-year, $14 million contract before the 2014 season, but he’s fighting for his starting job at Jets camp this year under the new Todd Bowles-Mike Maccagnan regime.
Kerley and second-year man Quincy Enunwa have been rotating with the first team in practice, and Bowles confirmed Sunday that there is a competition for the third receiver spot, with Kerley holding a slight edge.
That was new information to Kerley, who said he learned of the budding position battle “more so just going out there and seeing it for myself.” He also said he wants more transparency from the coaching staff and front office regarding his role.
“I guess I see what it is now,” Kerley said.
For a former fifth-round pick who is no stranger to job insecurity, this preseason provides Kerley with a chance to prove himself yet again.
“I always feel like I gotta compete, whatever I’m doing. It’s a new coaching staff. I signed my contract under a whole different organization,” Kerley said. “So the coaches got to get a chance to know me, know what I do. Hopefully get a chance to see what I bring to the table.”
Still, the development has come as a surprise — especially considering Maccagnan explicitly said in April that he envisioned increased playing time for Kerley in 2015.
“It’s just part of the business. People step up, people play good, people don’t … positions get took, guys move around,” Kerley said. “I can’t worry about it.”
SMITH FEELING BETTER
Devin Smith’s return from the broken ribs and punctured lung he suffered in practice on July 31 has been a tedious process. But just more than two weeks since sustaining the injury, the rookie receiver out of Ohio State is in good shape.
Smith said Sunday he’s “very confident” he’ll be back on the field for the Jets’ season opener on Sept. 13 against the Browns, and two days ago, he was finally able to sleep in a regular bed after spending the previous two weeks sleeping in a propped position on a hospital bed.
It’s worth noting, however, that Smith hasn’t resumed any physical activity other than standard rehab and riding the stationary bike.
“It’s very frustrating for me, because I’ve never been out this long,” Smith said. “But just being here and seeing the guys compete and (how) everybody has positive energy, it keeps me up.”
PRYOR LEAVES CAMP
Safety Calvin Pryor wasn’t at practice Sunday because of a death in the family and will miss a “few days” to attend to the matter, Bowles said. The coach doesn’t expect Pryor to play in Friday’s preseason game. … Veteran offensive linemen D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold received the day off Sunday for rest. … Receiver Brandon Marshall and cornerback Antonio Cromartie both left practice briefly for minor injuries but returned. Earlier in the session, Marshall beat Cromartie in a one-on-one drill and jokingly mocked the defensive back. … Offensive tackle James Brewer left practice with a stiff back.