Quarterback Mark Sanchez will start for the New York Jets when they visit the Detroit Lions on Friday. But running back Chris Ivory is far from a sure thing.
"I probably won't play this Friday, but definitely next week, Monday or Tuesday," Ivory told the New York Daily News on Tuesday night. "(By) Tuesday, I'll definitely be full speed."
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Said Ivory: "I'll be back soon full-time. I'm almost there."
Ivory has been sidelined during training camp by a nagging hamstring injury, triggering the Jets to list Bilal Powell as the No. 1 tailback on the first unofficial depth chart. Coach Rex Ryan admitted Tuesday he was "kind of frustrated" with Ivory's status. With Mike Goodson unavailable and Joe McKnight missing time with a head injury, offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg also acknowledged the lack of reps are a concern.
We expect Ivory to assume starting duties once he's healthy. He's a bull-rushing back, but he has appeared in just 12 games over the past two seasons. Pesky knee, foot, groin, shoulder, concussion and hamstring issues have stunted Ivory's career. As it stands, his first action for the Jets likely will come Aug. 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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