Jets calling tribute to Byrd ‘likely’

The Jets are “likely” to hold a tribute to former Gang Green defensive end during Sunday’s game against the Ravens at MetLife Stadium, a team spokesman told the Daily News Wednesday. No further details were yet available.

Byrd, 50, died in a car accident Saturday in his native Oklahoma, almost 24 years after he suffered a career-ending neck injury during a game. The injury caused Byrd to be temporary paralyzed, but he defied doctors’ prognoses and walked months after sustaining the injury.

Several of Byrd’s former teammates – including Paul Frase, Marvin Washington and Scott Mersereau, the player Byrd collided with during that Nov. 29, 1992 game which resulted in Byrd’s temporary paralysis — told The News Wednesday that they definitely plan to be at Sunday’s game and tribute.

“Dennis was one of the most selfless, inspirational people I’ve ever known,” said Mersereau. “I’ve been so sad.”

— Christian Red l The NFL will require the athletic trainer in the press box to stay in contact with on-field doctors to help determine if a player has a concussion. The requirement is an enhancement made to prevent confusion that occurred in the season opener, when Carolina’s Cam Newton was allowed to return after getting hit in the head. Under the league’s concussion protocol, the NFL’s athletic trainer wasn’t allowed to call a “medical timeout” after being contacted by personnel on the field. Rookie Patrik Laine completed a hat trick 2:40 into overtime, helping host Winnipeg overcome a four-goal deficit to beat Toronto, 5-4. The confident Finn got the better of his first head-to-head matchup against fellow rookie Auston Matthews. Laine has four goals on the season, tying Matthews and three others for the NHL lead.