Jets playing it safe with rookie Mims
Denzel Mims’ timetable for return from a hamstring injury suffered last week remained unclear after the rookie wide receiver missed practice again on Tuesday. The second-round pick hasn’t participated in the past four practices, including Tuesday’s walk-through, after getting hurt making a catch in drills last week.
The Daily News reported recently that Gang Green was taking a conservative approach to ensure Mims doesn’t aggravate a mild hamstring issue and miss significant time. There’s a strong sentiment on 1 Jets Drive that the speedster could return to practice this week, but the brain trust chose to take a cautious approach.
“It’s been week-to-week with all these guys,” Adam Gase said about a timetable for Mims’ return. “Nobody’s given me the green light like, ‘Hey, you’ll see him tomorrow or the next day.’ I know they’re going through the process… to get back on the field. It’s one of those injuries. It’s hard to rush when it’s a guy… his whole job is to run. We just have to make sure that we get him healthy enough.”
The Jets had only seven healthy receivers for the walkthrough. Vyncint Smith had core muscle surgery, which will keep him sidelined for up to two months. Braxton Berrios missed practice for personal reasons.
Gase suggested most of the injured players (at various positions) could be back by next week.
Veteran receiver Chris Hogan, scheduled to have a physical after agreeing to terms on a deal, was expected to join the team in the near future.
Undrafted wideout Jeff Smith, who spent the bulk of last season on the practice squad, opened eyes early in camp. Smith, who played in one game late in the season before suffering a seasonending injury, transitioned from quarterback to receiver after his freshman season at Boston College.
“He’s really kind of come into his own at that position,” Gase said.
SITTING IT OUT
CB Brian Poole (dehydration), LB James Burgess (lower back) and DL Jabari Zuniga (quad) didn’t practice. Gase said many of the injured players are expected back by next week. … The Jets will have padded practices today and Thursday.