FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Tony Richardson is back paving the way for the New York Jets' running game.
The veteran fullback was re-signed by the team Tuesday, two days after he was cut. Richardson practiced and will play in the Jets' Monday night season opener against the Baltimore Ravens at the New Meadowlands Stadium.
"I actually called down to Miami and I talked to D-Wade and LeBron to see if they needed help down there," Richardson quipped. "I think they were set, so I thought this was my best opportunity to win a championship."
The Jets also made several other moves Tuesday, including releasing wide receiver Patrick Turner, who was claimed off waivers from the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The move leaves New York with three true wide receivers on the roster in Jerricho Cotchery, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith, along with running back Danny Woodhead, who has been used as a slot man in the past.
Santonio Holmes is suspended for the first four games of the season after violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. Former CFL star Larry Taylor is the only other wide receiver the Jets have, but he's on their practice squad.
The Jets also filled out their eight-player practice squad, signing running back Chauncey Washington, a preseason standout; defensive tackle Jarron Gilbert, a former Chicago Bears third-round pick; and linebacker Cody Brown, a second-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals a year ago.
To make room on the squad, the Jets released linebacker Ricky Foley and defensive back Donovan Warren.
Richardson, 38, said his release caught him off guard when the team told him Sunday, but he had to let the move "play out."
The Jets needed depth at cornerback, not knowing when Darrelle Revis would end his contract holdout, so they kept undrafted free agent Brian Jackson over Richardson. Once Revis agreed to a four-year deal late Sunday night, the Jets decided to bring Richardson back and release Jackson.
Richardson, who was released for the first time since the Dallas Cowboys cut him in 1994, was evasive when asked if any other team reached out to him during his one day of unemployment.
"It really wasn't upsetting," Richardson said. "It's the nature of the NFL, and NFL stands for 'Not For Long,' so you try not to let it get to you."
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
