Enunwa ‘close’ to getting on field

LANDOVER, Md. — Quincy Enunwa waited nearly a year to get back on the football field after injuring his neck last August. Now, he is waiting again.

Enunwa hurt his hand two weeks ago in practice and remains sidelined. He is not expected to play Thursday night against the Redskins. He practiced in a limited manner this week when the Jets held joint practices with the Redskins in Richmond, Va. He went through some individual drills, but did not participate in team drills.

“It’s a little tough,” Enunwa said of sitting out. “At the same time, I just missed last week and this week. This week was unnecessary. A lot of these guys are going out there trying to make the team and they don’t really care about me. So, to go out there and get hurt any worse than what I’m dealing with, it’s not worth it. I’m just looking forward to next week. That’s the game that I really want to play in.”

Enunwa said he feels like he can return soon.

“I’m close,” he said. “Hopefully, I get the leash off next week and I get to go ahead and practice and play. We’ll see. I’m going on their timetable.”

Jets players spoke highly of the experience of joint practices this week. Despite the fight-filled first day, they felt they got some good practices in.

“Just to come out here and go against guys like Vernon Davis and Jordan Reed, top tight ends to me,” safety Jamal Adams said, “gave us great work as far as route running, knowing how to play with our eyes and making us play better with our eyes. Not always relying on our talent and our feet, just playing technical football. I think it was a great trip. We all enjoyed it and we appreciate the Redskins.”

The Jets placed backup tackle Ben Ija lana on season-ending injured reserve Wednesday. Ijalana injured his shoulder this week in practice. They signed offensive lineman Gino Gradkowski to take his roster spot. Gradkowski has played center with the Ravens, Falcons and Panthers.