Darrelle Revis is one step closer to taking the field again. Could he make his return against the Titans this Sunday?
Revis was donning a red non-contact jersey, which indicates he is still under certain limitations via the NFL's concussion protocol, but with the Jets in the thick of a playoff hunt they will take any sign of progress.
Jets coach Todd Bowles told reporters that Revis was limited in practice and would need to be cleared by doctors Friday in order to play.
Revis said he's eager to return, but emphasized the importance of making sure he's completely healthy before returning.
"My job is to get back healthy and get back on the field. I will be back on the field soon," Revis said, via ESPN.com. "That's how I look at it. You don't wish a concussion or any type of injury on anyone. This is what we signed up for. But at the same time, if you have an injury or a blow to the head ... you just have to follow the protocol and get back as healthy as you can."
Antonio Cromartie and Co. have done a nice job of holding down the fort in his absence. Despite some monster numbers from Odell Beckham last week at MetLife Stadium, it appeared to be more of a communication breakdown than a lapse in skill that led to his 72-yard touchdown grab.
Saving Revis for the stretch run, and making sure he has fresh legs, are infinitely more important. And if Bowles can continue to find ways to scheme around his absence in the meantime, all the better.
It will be interesting to see what Revis looks like when he takes the field again. He had a tough game against DeAndre Hopkins a week after he had one difficult moment against Sammy Watkins. While facing those two in consecutive weeks can greatly accelerate rumors of your demise, there is no question Revis wants to come out and shut down a wide receiver so he can shut up everybody.
Here's the rest of Thursday's injury news we are tracking:
- J.J. Watt said he suffered a broken hand in practice Wednesday, but said he would still play for the Texans against the Patriots on Sunday night.
- Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowskiwas limited in practice after missing last week's loss to the Eagles with a knee injury. Gronk missed a total of four practices.
- Bears defensive standout Pernell McPhee (knee) sat out practice again. Wide receiver Marquess Wilson (foot) also did not practice.
- Broncos running backs C.J. Anderson (ankle) and Ronnie Hillman (ankle) both didn't practice. NFL Media's James Palmer reported that the two are expected to be full participants Friday, according to coach Gary Kubiak. Vernon Davis has been cleared from concussion protocol and will be ready to play Sunday, added Palmer.
Linebackers Shane Ray (illness) and Danny Trevathan (concussion) also didn't practice. Tight end Owen Daniels (knee), guard Evan Mathis (ankle) and linebacker DeMarcus Ware (back) were each limited.
- Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (stinger) was a full participant Thursday. He missed last week.
- Raiders rookie receiver Amari Cooper (foot) was limited Thursday, the team reported.
- Saints receiver Brandin Cooks missed practice Thursday because of a concussion, the team announced. He was not on the team's injury report Wednesday.
- Falcons wideout Julio Jones (knee) was limited in practice.
- Panthers cornerback Charles Tillman (knee) was limited in practice and is doubtful to play Sunday against the Falcons. Defensive end Mario Addison (ankle) was a full participant.
- Browns wideout Travis Benjamin (shoulder) said he will be "good to go Sunday," according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer after suffering an injury last week. Tight end Gary Barnidge was limited with an ankle injury.
- Eagles running back Ryan Mathews (concussion/groin) was limited in practice and defensive tackle Bennie Logan (knee) didn't practice.
- Packers offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga (ankle), guard T.J. Lang (shoulder), linebacker Clay Matthews (ankle) and wideout Ty Montgomery (ankle) were all limited in practice.
- Steelers tight end Heath Miller (rib) was limited for Pittsburgh.
- Lions receiver Calvin Johnson (ankle) and defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (hamstring / elbow) were limited in practice.
- Ravens quarterback Matt Schaub sat out a second straight practice because of a chest injury, but he's expected to play Sunday versus the Seahawks.
- Cardinals tight end Jermaine Gresham (knee) was ruled out for Thursday's game against the Vikings after being listed as doubtful on Wednesday's injury report.
- Some key 49ers sat out practice on Thursday. RB Carlos Hyde (foot), LB Aaron Lynch (concussion), TE Vance McDonald (concussion), WR Torrey Smith (back, toe) and LB Michael Wilhoite (ankle) all didn't participate for San Francisco.