Jets’ Osemele cleared to play; he wants surgery

FLORHAM PARK, N. J. (AP) » Kelechi Osemele and the New York Jets are locked up in a surgery standoff. The left guard says he needs a season- ending operation on his shoulder and is waiting for the team to authorize the procedure. The team, however, wants him on the field. Osemele said Friday the team doctor and an independent doctor in California have both recommended the surgery for a torn labrum. But a person with direct knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press both doctors determined it is actually a pre- existing injury and cleared Osemele to play through the injury — and possibly have surgery in the offseason. “It’s been killing me,” Osemele said. “I’m just trying to get this done. I’ve done everything I can. I’ve been at work every day, waking up at 5 in the morning, doing all the rehab and the treatments and stuff like that. I’m like the last dude out of here at night. I’m doing everything I can. I’m working with my agent. We’re communicating with the team. “There’s just not communica

tion between the team and my doctor and my agent. It’s just been butting heads for whatever reason. Hopefully, it gets resolved soon.”

Osemele was later told he’s expected to practice Saturday or face a fine and/or suspension for conduct detrimental to the team, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team has not publicly commented on the situation.

“There’s no avoiding it,” Osemele said of the surgery, adding that he doesn’t have the strength in his shoulder to block.

“It’s torn,” he added. “So until it’s fixed, I can’t really do anything.”