JETS BITE BROWNS
Day after Bowles says Gang can’t take anyone for granted, team’s Twitter feed rips Cleveland
The Jets’ already-battered defensive line will be without a key piece Sunday in Cleveland. Defense end Kony Ealy — who sparked the Gang Green defense in last week’s win over the Jaguars with four passes defended and an interception — will be sidelined for the team’s Week 5 matchup at the Browns because of a shoulder injury. Defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson is questionable with his own shoulder injury, and Leonard Williams continues to battle a bone bruise in his left wrist.
Ealy didn’t practice all week, but he said Friday he “definitely” expects to be ready for next week’s home game against the divisionrival Patriots.
“It’s frustrating,” Ealy said of being forced to sit out after his big performance against Jacksonville. “But I got faith and confidence in my teammates that they’re going to go out there and do their jobs and get the job done as if everything was normal.”
Earlier this week, Todd Bowles revealed Ealy’s injury as a bruised shoulder. When asked Friday if Ealy would miss multiple weeks, Bowles said, “I don’t know.” When asked if the diagnosis had changed, Bowles said, “I don’t know.”
“It’s something that’s going to be ready to go next week,” Ealy said. “Just getting a little extra recovery and doing the things necessary.”
Running back Matt Forte (toe), cornerback Darryl Roberts (hamstring), and outside linebacker Josh Martin (ankle) have also been ruled out.
Cornerback Juston Burris, the backup nickel corner behind Roberts, is questionable with a foot injury he suffered in practice this week. If Burris is unable to play, Marcus Williams is the likely option to replace Roberts as the nickel corner.
JORDAN RULES
Rookie tight end Jordan Leggett, who missed the first four games with a knee injury, is set to make his NFL regular-season debut Sunday in Cleveland. Leggett returned to practice this week and participated fully Friday for the first time this regular season.
“It’s feeling a lot better than it used to be,” Leggett said of his knee. “I’m extremely excited. That’s what I came here for. It kind of sucks just watching football. It’s not the most fun thing to do. I actually like to go out there and play. Hopefully I get that chance.”
PLAN FOR JALIN
Bowles said he is still undecided on whether wide receiver Jalin Marshall will be active Sunday. Marshall was suspended for the first four games of the season after violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
“He’s just getting his feet wet running,” Bowles said. “He has a good understanding of where we are, but he’s still got to get in a little bit of shape.”
Marshall played in the preseason but spent four weeks away from the team while serving his suspension.
“It’s game plan now. It’s regular season, not preseason, so there are a lot of tweaks that weren’t happening in the summer that’s happening now,” Bowles said. “But he’s bright. It’s just a matter of him getting caught up to speed, and he learned a lot this week. He knows what he’s doing, but we’ll see if we can fit him in or not.”