FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Darrelle Revis is a step closer to getting back on the field for the New York Jets.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Darrelle Revis is a step closer to getting back on the field for the New York Jets.
The star cornerback, who suffered what the team called a “mild concussion” in last Sunday’s victory over the Buffalo Bills, was cleared Wednesday to resume physical activity — running and lifting weights — but he’s still not allowed to participate in contact drills.
“As the week goes on, we hope he can progress further and do more things,” coach Rex Ryan said. “But obviously, we will follow NFL protocol and lean on the trainers and doctors.”
Revis did not practice Wednesday, but it’s an encouraging sign that the All-Pro cornerback is resuming normal activities. Revis must be cleared by the team physician and an independent neurological consultant, per NFL protocol, to practice and play at Pittsburgh on Sunday.
The hope is that Revis will be able to practice on a limited basis Thursday and then put in a full session Friday.
Revis was injured when he dived to tackle C.J. Spiller and was accidentally kicked in the head by teammate Bart Scott.
If Revis can’t play on Sunday against the Steelers, nickelback Kyle Wilson would start in his place. Each had an interception in the Jets’ 48-28 rout of the Bills.
Wide receiver Jeremy Kerley also did not practice after waking up with a stiff lower back.
“I asked him if he came down with the Pittsburgh flu,” Ryan joked. “I’ve seen it happen. They’re a very physical football team.”
Kerley was selected as the AFC special teams player of the week after returning a punt 68 yards for a score. He also caught a 12-yard touchdown pass, becoming the first player since St. Louis’ Az-Zahir Hakim in 2000 to score on a catch and a punt return in a season opener.
Kerley is expected to play Sunday, but Wilson would step in for him as the punt returner if he can’t. Clyde Gates, signed off waivers from Miami last week, could be active and serve in Kerley’s role as the slot receiver.
Britt back with Titans after injury, suspension
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Kenny Britt is on the field once again for the Tennessee Titans, back both from a torn right ACL and three different knee surgeries and a one-game suspension by the NFL.
How much he helps remains to be seen.
Britt tore both his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligament early in the Titans’ third game last season. He had little practice time with Matt Hasselbeck due to the NFL lockout. Now Jake Locker’s the starting quarterback, and Britt has had even less practice time with him.
“We’ve got two great quarterbacks,” Britt said Wednesday after his first practice since tearing his knee up Sept. 25, 2011. “They’re going to make me look good so hopefully I can do the same thing for them, and today was a great practice for both quarterbacks. I was out there with both of them and it felt good.”
Locker was limited in practice Wednesday like Britt as the quarterback recovers from an injured left shoulder that knocked him out of Tennessee’s opening 34-13 loss to New England. But Locker said he’s feeling much better after a couple days of treatment, and he expects to play Sunday when the Titans (0-1) visit San Diego (1-0). He is looking forward to having Britt on the field.
“Kenny’s a difference-maker,” Locker said. “When he’s at his best, he’s probably one of the best in the league. It’s always nice to have those guys on your side.”
Britt would have been back already if not for a July 20 arrest at the Fort Campbell Army post on the Kentucky-Tennessee border that earned him his second visit to the NFL office in New York and a one-game suspension. It was just the latest drama for the receiver since the Titans drafted him in the first round in 2009 out of Rutgers.
When he was arrested July 20 around 3:30 a.m. for driving under the influence, it was the eighth incident with police for Britt, who visited with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in August 2011 and escaped punishment then.
Bills DT Dareus excused after brother killed
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills coaches and teammates rallied to Marcell Dareus’ support Wednesday after the second-year defensive tackle’s younger brother was one of three people shot and killed in a suburb of Birmingham, Ala., last weekend.
“My heart goes out to Marcell, man,” defensive end Mario Williams said. “I wish him the very best and to just take his time.”
Dareus was excused from practice after flying home earlier this week to be with his family. Coach Chan Gailey said he’s spoken with Dareus, who indicated he intends to be back in time to play in the home opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
“Our condolences go out to him and the family,” Gailey said. “He’s got a lot on his plate, to say the least. I think he’ll be back for Sunday’s game whether it’s tonight, tomorrow or the next day, I don’t know. … He wants to be back.”
Dareus’ younger brother, Simeon Gilmore, was one of three people killed during a burglary in Pelham, Ala., on Sunday. Authorities said 20-year-old Jon Staggs Jr. has been charged with capital murder and burglary.
Police have not released a possible motive.
Dareus is the Bills’ 2011 first-round draft pick out of Alabama and has been a starter since his first game.
Chad Johnson charged with domestic battery
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Six-time Pro Bowl receiver Chad Johnson has been formally charged with one count of misdemeanor domestic battery.
The Broward State Attorney’s Office filed the charge Wednesday. Johnson faces up to a year in county jail.
Johnson was arrested last month after his wife accused him of head-butting her during an argument in front of their home. He was later freed on $2,500 bond.
The confrontation came barely a month after Johnson married Evelyn Lozada, who is on the reality TV show “Basketball Wives.” The 34-year-old Johnson had been battling for a spot on the Miami Dolphins after a disappointing season with the New England Patriots in 2011.
The Dolphins released Johnson a day after his arrest.
Johnson is scheduled to be arraigned this morning and to file a written plea of not guilty.
Panthers’ Stewart ‘optimistic’ he’ll play
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Panthers running Jonathan Stewart returned to practice after missing the season opener with a sprained right ankle.
Stewart says he’s “making progress” in rehab and is “optimistic” he’ll play Sunday in Carolina’s home opener Sunday against New Orleans.
The Panthers can certainly use Stewart’s help in the running game after tying a franchise-low with 10 yards rushing in a 16-10 loss to Tampa Bay. Stewart, who received a five-year contract extension this summer, sprained his right ankle in Carolina’s third preseason game and was questionable leading into the season opener.
Bills, county open to lease extension
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Stalled lease negotiations have led to the Buffalo Bills and Erie County favoring a one-year lease extension that would allow the team to keep playing at Ralph Wilson Stadium next season while talks continue on a long-term deal.
County executive Mark Poloncarz announced Wednesday that he and the Bills have agreed in principle to extend the lease if necessary if a new deal is not in place once the current one expires July 31. Poloncarz’s announcement came after Bills CEO Russ Brandon raised concerns about the lack of progress in negotiations to reach a long-term deal.