Jamal may play against Pittsburgh
Jamal Adams appears to be getting closer to returning from his ankle injury that has kept him out of the past two games, but the Jets can’t afford to be reckless down the stretch of this lost season. The game-changing safety practiced on a limited basis Wednesday for the first time since getting hurt early in Gang Green’s loss in Cincinnati more than two weeks ago.
Although Adam Gase admitted that it’s a “positive” step for his defensive leader to get back on the practice field, the coach is mindful of making the smart choice.
“I keep talking to him about making sure he’s okay if he goes,” Gase said Wednesday. “He has to feel right. I do not want to put him out there if there’s any chance that there could be an injury that prolongs something down the road.
That’s not what we’re looking for. That’s why the communication between him and the training staff and everybody is critical.”
Adams said his chances of playing against the Steelers are “very high.” He said he was a game-time decision last week before sitting out Thursday night’s loss in Baltimore.
“Emotionally, I think he really wanted to play that game,” Gase said. “It got on him so fast that he realized that couldn’t (play on a short week)…. I just know how he is and how competitive he is. You just got to keep asking the right questions.”
Adams earned his second consecutive trip to the Pro Bowl this week after another standout season. The thirdyear safety leads the Jets in total tackles, tackles for loss, quarterback hits, passes defensed and forced fumbles. He’s second on the team in sacks (6 ½) and solo tackles.
“It’s a great accomplishment for him,” Gase said of Adams making the Pro Bowl. “You guys have watched him play all year. He’s a had a great year. He’s played as well as any player that I’ve been around consistently. Week in, week out, you never see a dip. It’s always elite level.”
Adams needs 1 1/2 sacks to tie Adrian Wilson’s single-season record for sacks by a defensive back.
“I’m not going to tie, I’m going to break it,” Adams said of the record. “No doubt.”
INJURY UPDATES
Quinnen Williams, who missed the last game with a neck burner, also returned to practice on a limited basis. Gase said that the first-round rookie defensive lineman will be “day-to-day,” but it looks promising for him to return against the Steelers on Sunday.
WR Demaryius Thomas (hamstring/knee) and right guard Tom Compton (calf ) didn’t practice Wednesday. DL Henry Anderson, LT Kelvin Beachum, RB Bilal Powell CB Arthur Maulet, DL Steve McClendon were limited. CB Brian Poole remains in the concussion protocol, but can participated with a non-contact jersey.