Darrelle Revis, Dustin Keller Out For Sunday's Game Against Steelers
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — The Jets will face the Pittsburgh Steelers' speedy receivers without Darrelle Revis.
The All-Pro cornerback was ruled out Friday for the team's game at Pittsburgh on Sunday with a concussion that left Revis "in a fog" after the injury occurred in the season opener against Buffalo.
Coach Rex Ryan said Revis was cleared for non-contact practice for the first time Friday, but will not travel to Pittsburgh with the team Saturday.
"We followed NFL protocol this week," Ryan said, "and we'll always follow NFL protocol when it comes to concussions, but Darrelle is ruled out for the game."
Revis needed to be cleared by the team physician and an independent neurological consultant in order to first practice and then play. He was injured when he made a diving tackle attempt on C.J. Spiller and teammate Bart Scott accidentally kicked him in the head.
The Jets will also be without tight end Dustin Keller and linebacker Bryan Thomas, both of whom are dealing with hamstring issues.
Revis has missed just three games in his career, all in 2010. Now, the Jets will head to Pittsburgh with a tough matchup coming up with the Steelers' trio of Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders.
Kyle Wilson, a first-round draft pick in 2010, will start in Revis' place opposite Antonio Cromartie. Ellis Lankster will move in Wilson's usual nickelback spot. Safety Eric Smith is also expected to make his season debut after being hobbled since the preseason with hip and knee injuries.
"With Darrelle not playing, we have a lot of confidence in Kyle Wilson," Ryan said. "Obviously, he has to step up in a starter role, which he's ready for. Ellis Lankster and Isaiah Trufant will share some nickel and dime responsibilities. It'll be good to get Eric Smith back, and we think he's ready to roll. The guys that are stepping up in this case, I always believe, have to maintain that level — or maybe even a little better.
"In this case, we'll take a little less with the Darrelle Revis deal."
A few minutes before Ryan's announcement, Revis said he "felt good" being back on the field, but knew "the clock is ticking" on whether he would be available.
"It was just limited reps today, that's all it was," said Revis, who had been limited earlier in the week to riding the stationary bike on the sideline during practice. "It's just getting better every day. It's just the process. That's what I've really been doing. I feel good today, and we just have to go from there and hope that every day I get better and better."
Ryan previously had said the team would know by Saturday, when the Jets fly to Pittsburgh, whether Revis would join them for the game against the Steelers.
"I just have to do what they tell me to do, man," Revis said. "That's what I'm doing, is just following guidelines and what they're telling me to do."
Revis, despite hoping to play, said the uncertainty at the time over whether he would play did not add any frustration.
"No, it's my head," Revis said. "It's a head injury, so I've got to do the best I can and make sure I'm healthy first and the team does as well. Everybody's looking out for my best interest, and I think that's the focus here, to make sure I'm 100 percent before I step out onto the field (for a game)."
Revis had five tackles and an interception in Week 1 against Buffalo.
Not good news, Jets fans. Still think Gang Green can win in the Steel City this weekend? Let us know in the comments section below...
(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
