The bitter holdout is over, the contract has been signed and now Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson is back on the practice field working in 11-on-11 drills.
The Pro Bowler worked out in a live situation for the first time on Tuesday and will continue the long haul back from a broken leg he suffered in a season-ending loss to the Buffalo Bills.
"He ran around fine," coach Todd Bowles said of Wilkerson, via the Bergen Record. "But he's still got some ways to go before he gets in shape."
Wilkerson has always maintained that he'll be back for the season-opener, which jibes with the current timeline. Wilkerson was activated off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list a little more than a week ago.
The only decision left for Bowles is whether or not to play Wilkerson in the preseason. While conventional wisdom says no, players are typically split over the issue of warmup games and live contact before the regular season. A player at a more physical position like defensive end could think differently than a player running the football or catching passes.
Here are some other injuries we are tracking this Wednesday:
- Wideout Victor Cruz (groin) didn't practice again, and coach Ben McAdoo said after practice he was day-to-day. Cruz originally felt tightness in the groin last Tuesday.
- Rob Gronkowski missed practice for the second time this for the Patriots, according to the Boston Globe. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported earlier this week that Gronk had an issue that caused him to leave Monday's practice. The issue is considered minor, Rapoport added.
- Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowneysaid his knee is no longer an issue: "Knee feels fine. I'm good to go, back out here with the team and ready to go."
- San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick returned to practice after taking nearly a week off because of a "dead arm" that kept him out of the 49ers' preseason opener.
- The Titans announced that they have removed linebacker Kevin Dodd from the PUP list.
- Kansas City Chiefs wideout Jeremy Maclin (groin) is day to day, the team said.
- Offensive lineman Justin Pugh is not practicing because of a bruised shoulder, the Giants told reporters.
Receiver Sterling Shepard participated in team drills after missing practice Monday, while cornerback Eli Apple worked with a trainer on the side, USA Today's Art Stapleton reported.
- Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller (concussion) returned to practice after sitting out Tuesday. Linebacker Danny Trevathan (knee) sat out a second consecutive session.
- Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said defensive end Derek Wolfe rolled his ankle during practice with the 49ers. NFL Media's James Palmer reported that Wolfe's MRI came back clean and that the injury he suffered was "minor."
- Ravens wideout Steve Smith, Sr. passed his physical and will return to practice soon, the team announced.
- Packers receiver Jordy Nelson (knee) has passed his physical and is off the PUP list.
