FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets wide receiver Laveranues Coles and safety Eric Smith were listed Friday as probable for the team's game against Kansas City despite suffering concussions last weekend.
Coles and Smith, both injured in the Jets' 16-13 overtime loss at Oakland on Sunday, fully participated in practice on Friday for the first time this week.
Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery was limited in practice for the third straight day because of a shoulder injury and is questionable against the Chiefs. Also questionable are tight end Chris Baker (back) and right tackle Damien Woody (calf), while tight end Bubba Franks is doubtful with an injured hip.
Coles, who leads the team with 30 catches for 369 yards and four touchdowns, was hit hard after trying to catch a pass late in the second half of New York's 16-13 overtime loss at Oakland. Coles came up with a facemask full of grass and appeared a bit dazed, but was able to return despite the injury.
Coach Eric Mangini confirmed Thursday that Coles suffered a concussion -- his third head injury in less than two years. Coles angrily refused to discuss the injury Thursday, citing team policy, but spoke Friday to deflect injury-related questions directed at Smith.
"Right now, what (the coaches) are doing at this point is basically doing what the doctors say," said Coles, who's also been nursing a strained thigh since training camp. "They went beyond the call of duty to basically bring in doctors and people like that to not only give us tests, but to talk to us, examine us and make sure things are all right. Basically, it's the doctors' decision. I don't think they will put us in a position that would jeopardize our long-term health."
Smith is recovering from his second concussion in three weeks. He was initially injured when he collided with Arizona's Anquan Boldin on a helmet-to-helmet hit on Sept. 28 that drew the safety a one-game suspension and $50,000 fine. Mangini was uncertain whether Smith's latest injury occurred on a tackle on defense or a special teams play against the Raiders.
"At this point, all we can do is just do what the doctors say we're capable of doing," Coles said. "If a guy practiced today, he had the opportunity to practice and the doctor cleared him. That's basically what it is. We're doing what they're telling us we can do."
Cotchery, second on the team with 27 catches for 328 yards and three TDs, was injured in the first half against the Raiders and played sparingly in the second half.
Right guard Brandon Moore (foot), nose tackle Kris Jenkins (back) and linebacker Calvin Pace (foot) were listed as probable. Kicker Mike Nugent had already been ruled out with a strained right thigh.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press
