Injury Report: Jets Defense Ready To Expose Dolphins Offense In London
By Abraham Gutierrez
With limited preparation time, Todd Bowles penciled in 15 injured players heading into last week's contest against Philly, and thus, the New York Jets were run out of their own building by the Eagles. With a full week of rest, Gang Green still submitted 16 injured players in its Week 4 injury report. Nevertheless, one gets the sense the "J-E-T-S!" will be ready to play when it faces a Miami Dolphins team in shambles Sunday morning in London.
Friday's final injury report indicates that Bowles will be without the services of five players against Miami, out of which, three can be found on the offensive unit, along with a pair of defenders. After failing to take a single snap in this week's practices, the following names have been ruled out of Sunday's international affair: tight end Jeff Cumberland (concussion), cornerback Darrin Walls (hamstring), guard Willie Colon (knee), linebacker Reilly (finger) and wide receiver Chris Owusu (knee).
"I plan on finishing the season strong," said Colon, who did not make the trip to London and will be replaced by Brian Winters for at least one game. "It's all about being smart at this point."
The good news is that 10 of the 16 players in this week's report are expected to take the field in this pivotal matchup. With the Jets defense being such an integral part of this team's success, Jets fans will be glad to know that the secondary is sure to give the struggling Fins hell when tested.
That's because perennial Pro Bowl cornerbacks Antonio Cromartie (hip) and Darrelle Revis (hamstring), will be looking to apply pressure and force Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill into making mistakes every chance they get. Cromartie, who suffered a knee injury in the opener, is now dealing with a new/old injury, as his hip is once again a concern.
Nevertheless, Jets first-year head coach met with the media this week and indicated this is no time to panic, as that the organization was simply treating the former FSU standout's injuries with kid gloves. "He practiced some," Bowles explained when asked about Cromartie's participation. "We just kept him out some plays."
As far as Revis goes, the 2009 NFL Defensive Player Of The Year didn't seem too concern about his hamstring, telling reporters he "felt fine" and "looking forward to the game" on Sunday.
Also listed as probable is another key piece, this time on the offensive side of the football, as running back Chris Ivory (quadricep) is set to return after missing last week's loss to the Eagles. This is particularly good news, as the Jets will be going up against a Miami defense that has failed to stop anyone on the ground this season – ranked 31st in the NFL surrendering 145 rushing yards per game.
"He is scheduled to go," Bowles said when asked to address the possibility that his bruising halfback will give it a go against Miami.
Another key player to this team's offensive success who finds his name penciled in this week's injury report is wide receiver Eric Decker. Unlike in the case of the aforementioned key players, the status of the 2012 NFL Receiving Touchdowns Leader is still "up in the air" following Friday's practice session.
"I wouldn't put a percentage or number on it," said Decker, who's nursing a knee injury. "I know I feel better this week than I did last week. Every day this week has gotten better, so I'm just trying to manage everything on a daily basis. [Saturday] and then Sunday."
Naturally, Bowles was also asked to weigh-in on the possibility that his first-string wideout seeing playing time on Sunday. "He's a game day [decision]," added the Jets head man in charge. "He looked better today. I'd like to see a little bit more. Hopefully, with another day's rest, he'll work out good on Sunday."
Jets Full Week 4 Injury Report & Game Statuses
Probable:
(S) Jaiquawn Jarrett (knee) - Limited Participation in Practice
(CB) Antonio Cromartie (hip) - Full Participation in Practice
(CB) Darrelle Revis (hamstring) - Limited Participation in Practice
(DT) T.J. Barnes (ankle) - Full Participation in Practice
(WR) Devin Smith (knee) - Full Participation in Practice
(RB) Chris Ivory (quadricep) - Full Participation in Practice
(DE) Stephen Bowen (knee) - Full Participation in Practice
(LB) David Harris (finger) - Full Participation in Practice
(G) James Carpenter (back) - Full Participation in Practice
(LB) Quinton Coples (elbow) - Full Participation in Practice
Questionable:
(WR) Eric Decker (knee) - Limited Participation in Practice
Out:
(TE) Jeff Cumberland (concussion) - Did Not Participate In Practice
(CB) Darrin Walls (hamstring) - Did Not Participate In Practice
(G) Willie Colon (knee) - Did Not Participate In Practice
(LB) Trevor Reilly (finger) - Did Not Participate In Practice
(WR) Chris Owusu (knee) - Did Not Participate In Practice
Abe Gutierrez's (Twitter: @GutierrezAbe) passion led him to ditch law school journey in order to launch his own publishing company. His expertise make him a valued addition to Examiner.com, AXS.com and the CBS-Sports family. Some of his work can be found on CBS-Miami (Dolphins), CBS-LosAngeles (Chargers), CBS-BayArea (Raiders), CBS-NewYork (NY Jets), CBS-TampaBay (Buccaneers), AXS.com, Examiner.com and other online publications.