Jets get Burress, McKnight back on practice field

Boosted by the return to the practice field of wide receiver Plaxico Burress, the Jets also got a lift on Friday afternoon with positive news about running back Joe McKnight.

The second-year player, who also returns kickoffs and contributed in Week 1 with a crucial blocked punt, was held out with a toe injury for much of this week, but looks set to play this Sunday night against the Patriots.

On Thursday, McKnight worked with the team’s training staff on a separate field, but one day later he was back with his teammates. McKnight hyperextended his toe in practice earlier this week with what he called a “sprain.”

“I had a full day of practice today,” McKnight said. “I’m going to play on Sunday.”

There’s no plan for him to wear a special shoe in the game, but McKnight is only thinking about adding a plate inside his shoe to protect his toe. McKnight, who was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for October, said he wouldn’t miss a game against New England.

“It’s Patriots Week; I can’t sit out this week,” McKnight said. “We need this win to get to No. 1. I just want to go out there and give it my all.”

Like last week, Burress was held out of practice Wednesday and Thursday but returned to the field on Friday. Burress has been battling a lower back injury since returning two weeks ago from the bye.

“I felt great,” Burress said. “I told everybody I’d be full to go on Sunday.”

Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer.