Santonio Holmes remains the New York Jets' man of mystery.
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The veteran wide receiver has made significant strides recently as he continues his recovery from a severe Lisfranc fracture. But will Holmes be ready when the Jetsopen the season Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
That's where the intrigue comes in. The New York Post cited a source Thursday in reporting "the expectation internally with the Jets is Holmes will play." Another source told the Post that the team will limit Holmes' snaps against the Bucs.
Holmes had a scheduled off day Thursday, but he has been practicing this week. Jets coach Rex Ryan said Thursday he was hopeful Holmes would play. Teammate Stephen Hill, meanwhile, said Holmes looks like "last year's Tone." (We assume he's referring to the version of Holmes not crumpled on the Meadowlands turf last September.)
Holmes hasn't been quite as optimistic, telling reporters this summer he doesn't move like he used to while cautioning that "looks can be deceiving."
"I still don't know," Holmes said Wednesday. "Still haven't gotten any word from the doctors yet on whether I should be playing or not, so I'm just going to keep playing it by ear."
Holmes is no dummy. He knows the Jets will move on from him and his bloated salary after this season. Like Jairus Byrd in Buffalo, Holmes' recovery process comes with one eye on a future that doesn't involve his current team.
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