Progress is being made by Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, whose toe injury seems to be healing as he continues to do more work in practice. It remains to be seen, however, if this injury will heal in time for Sunday’s game. Arguably the best player on either side of the ball, Wilkerson is second on the Jets with 4.5 sacks and is tied for fifth with 49 tackles. While fellow defensive end Sheldon Richardson is clearly a rising star, the coaching staff will also mention that Wilkerson is solid in terms of his gap discipline and his willingness to take on multiple blockers to free up space for an incoming blitzer. This in addition to his ability to get to the quarterback in a 304 scheme. His toe injury was suffered in the Monday night game against the Bills in late November and caused Wilkerson to miss the next two games. He now has a special shoe to lessen the impact of the injury and he did some individual work on the practice field on Wednesday. Thursday was more of the same, even as the team advanced the ball a bit in terms of what he can do. “I really didn’t do much, same as yesterday,” Wilkerson said on Thursday.“I got two reps in, that was about it and individual.” Wilkerson agreed when head coach Rex Ryan who said it is up in the air the defensive end will play on Sunday, with Wilkerson saying “it is still 50-50.”
The new shoe is helping Wilkerson to make progress and do more on the field.
“It’s helping out, I’ve never worn the shoe before. It’s different. Obviously. It’s something I have to get used to,” Wilkerson said, even as he admitted he wasn’t sure what was unique about the shoe.“I don’t know. I know it’s a special shoe for turf toe injuries or if you have a foot problem. I’m not all that familiar with it.” Jets Notes:
– After suffering a concussion two weeks ago, tight end Jace Amaro was full in practice on Thursday, marking the first time back on the field in full since he had the head injury.
“Pretty good. I felt back to normal today,” Amaro said. “I felt fast, felt rejuvenated. I felt really good.”
He described it as a “long protocol deal” and it was his first time ever with a concussion. He anticipates being ready to play on Sunday. – Safety Antonio Allen and wide receiver Percy Harvin did not practice today with the Jets wide receiver looking like a longshot for this Sunday against the Titans.
Jets notebook: Status of Muhammad Wilkerson still up in the air
