Jets owner talks to vets about social issues

Jets CEO Christopher Johnson met with a few of his team’s veteran players Thursday to continue a dialogue for making an impact on the social issues that led to protests during the national anthem before NFL games.

Johnson attended the meeting in Manhattan on Tuesday when several owners, players and league officials discussed the issues.

He was said to be encouraged by what he heard and wanted more feedback from his own team.

“He wants to take their temperature and share ideas,” a Jets spokesman said.

This is the second time Johnson has met with players to discuss the anthem protests.

Running back Bilal Powell (calf) returned to practice Thursday and will play Sunday against the Dolphins, coach Todd Bowles said.

“It’s good,” Bowles said. “It will give us another healthy body. Hopefully, we can make some plays.”

Powell missed last week’s game against the Patriots.

The Jets are very healthy for this time of year. Only DE Muhammad Wilkerson (shoulder, toe) missed practice Thursday.

Everyone else practiced fully, including receiver Robby Anderson, who did not practice Wednesday with an ankle injury.

Jets defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers on Thursday echoed what Bowles said a day earlier about Wilkerson and Leonard Williams, who both have zero sacks this season.

“Right now as we look at it, we’re just playing team defense,” Rodgers said. “Those guys are buying into the system and what we ask them to do, and each week, of course, we try to get to the quarterback. So really we’re just running our scheme, running what we think will work and try to give them a chance to get there.”