Injured Holmes: God has a plan

CORTLAND – For now, Santonio Holmes is focused on the little things.

Stretching and small movements are the Jets wide receiver’s chief goals – now that’s he unable to do any lateral or “rotational” movements due to his rib injury.

Holmes – who was drilled by cornerback Antonio Cromartie during Saturday’s Green and White scrimmage – couldn’t give a clear explanation of his injury, but he’s relieved it’s not as dire as he previously thought.

Initially, Holmes told the Jets training staff that he felt “it pop” after one of his teammates fell on him during the game.

“Probably some previous injury,” said the No. 1 receiver, who assumed he aggravated an old rib injury he suffered back in 2008 when he was a Steeler. “Cartilage tore, ribs separated, all of the above from the ’08 season, breaking ribs before.”

“It was the first thing I mentioned to the trainers; that I think something is broke,” added Holmes, who has been working on “functional movements” and trying to stay active under the watchful eye of head conditioning coach Bill Hughan. “I felt it pop. But other than that, the X-ray showed that nothing was broken and I’m happy to be where I’m at right now.”

Jets coach Rex Ryan said on Monday that Holmes likely is doubtful for the team’s first preseason game Friday in Cincinnati. Holmes, the Jets No. 1 receiver, didn’t seem all that optimistic either.

He said cannot do lateral or “rotational” movements.

Nevertheless, he is encouraged by his incremental progress. “I’m getting better every day right now,” he said. “Taking it one day at a time and when I feel the need for contact and the trainers are ready for me to have contact, I’ll be ready to roll.”

Sure, he’s frustrated he can’t play in the Jets’ first preseason game. But the wideout believes a higher power is at work here.

“I think it happened for a reason and for what reason, I cant put my finger on it. But I think God has a plan,” he said. “And what’s at stake right now is longevity, and not right now.”