New Jet moving on from ’Boys dismissal

It’s hard to find anyone who’s endured a more bizarre and frustrating past week than Lucky Whitehead. The third-year receiver was released by the Cowboys on Monday after police issued a warrant for his arrest on a shoplifting charge. But the ordeal ended up being a case of mistaken identity, as the man who committed the crime in Virginia gave Whitehead’s information to authorities.

Despite the error, the Cowboys didn’t reinstate Whitehead. The Jets claimed him off waivers a day later. And on Saturday at the opening day of Gang Green training camp in Florham Park, Whitehead said he still hasn’t received an explanation from his former club.

“It’s an unfortunate situation,” a somber Whitehead said. “Things happen, and I’m excited to be here and I’m glad they gave me a chance to start over.”

Whitehead said he wasn’t aware of the arrest until he walked off the practice field Monday.

“It was a shock for me,” Whitehead said. “I didn’t expect (it).”

When asked if he still holds any animosity toward the Cowboys, Whitehead laughed before saying, “Nah.”

“I’m going to move on, try to build chemistry with these guys here,” He said. “I’m going to try to make this roster and be a playmaker.”

The Jets brought in Whitehead to compete for the kick and punt returning jobs. Whitehead was deep catching punts in the early stages of Saturday’s session along with Frankie Hammond, Marcus Murphy, Romar Morris and Gabe Marks.

“It’s been crazy,” Whitehead said of his week. “A lot’s been going on, and I’m just happy to get an opportunity to start over and clean my slate.” Bowles said. “They probably could have practiced, but the trainers are just taking it day by day and we’ll increase the load as it goes on.”

Tackle Ben Ijalana (knee) didn’t participate in team drills, either.

The Jets’ first-team offensive line was LT Kelvin Beachum, LG James Carpenter, C Wesley Matthews, RG Brian Winters, RT Brent Qvale. Bowles said there will competition at both tackle spots.