New York Jets dangerously thin at receiver in Week 13

The New York Jets began the season with suspect depth at wide receiver. They're paying for it now.

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Clyde Gates suffered a concussion last week and won't play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Chaz Schilens (concussion/hip) and Jeremy Kerley (heel, hamstring, illness) were limited in practice all week. Santonio Holmes is on injured reserve.

The X-factor in all this is Stephen Hill, a raw second-round draft pick who has been held back by injuries and inconsistency during his rookie season. Sunday would be an ideal time for Hill to emerge in this offense.

"I think it's now to the point where he's wanting the football, and we'll see," Jets coach Rex Ryan said this week, via NFL.com's Kimberly Jones. "I think he needs to step up big."

Hill had two touchdown catches in the season opener, but he has been quiet since. In nine games, Hill has 16 receptions for 212 yards and three TDs.

Wide receiver Mardy Gilyard was signed Tuesday and could see playing time Sunday, a sign how desperate the Jets are. Offensive coordinator Tony Sparano was asked what improvements he has seen since Gilyard joined the team.

"What improvement have I seen from him?" Sparano asked. "This is the first time I've seen him other than the draft."

The next time you bury Mark Sanchez, remember that quote.

Follow Kimberly Jones on Twitter @KimJonesSports.

Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @danhanzus.