Knee may keep Forte out Sunday

Matt Forte looks in danger of missing Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers after sitting out another practice Thursday. And given the cause for the running back’s absence, it could be more serious than that. Forte’s injury was described as swelling in his right knee — the same knee that he had arthroscopic surgery on in January for a torn meniscus.

Coach Todd Bowles dodged questions regarding the severity of the injury, including whether the team would consider shutting Forte down.

Following a loss to the Falcons the previous week, Forte criticized the coaching staff for not running the ball enough. Offensive coor- dinator John Morton apparently heeded the suggestion.

“I’d be stupid if I didn’t [listen],” Morton said. “I listen to everybody. I listen to the quarterback, the coaches, any players — especially players that have played in this league for a long time.”

The Jets defense ranked 28th in takeaways last season, forcing just 14. They recovered three fumbles in their most recent win against Buffalo, and have already exceeded last year’s takeaway mark with 16 on the season (tied for third best in the league).

Forte (knee), offensive lineman Jonotthan Harrison (hand), and defensive linemen Muhammad Wilkerson (shoulder/toe) and Ed Stinson (neck) did not practice Thursday. Cornerback Morris Claiborne ( foot) and right guard Brian Winters (abdomen) were limited.