McKnight injures hammy, Pollard suffers torn labrum; plus other practice notes

RB Joe McKnight’s status for Week 1 currently is up in the air after he suffered a hamstring injury during the preseason finale loss to the Eagles.

Rex Ryan couldn’t offer any details about how McKnight suffered the injury or the extent of it. As of his Friday afternoon press conference, the Jets coach hadn’t checked in with head trainer John Mellody.

“It is a little hamstring (injury),” Ryan said of McKnight’s injury. “I am not really sure his status. It is probably a little too early to tell. I don’t know if he pulled it or if it is just tight.”

This has been an up-and-down offseason for McKnight, who got banged up a bit, suffered food poisoning and was embroiled in a practice brawl all in one training camp.

The third-year running back was spotted in the rehab group area at the start of Friday’s practice. McKnight carried the ball nine times for 38 yards (including an 18-yard run) in Thursday night’s loss to the Eagles.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding McKnight’s hamstring, Ryan said he expected all of his players – except S Eric Smith – to be ready to go for the regular-season opener against Buffalo.

*
Injury updates: Rookie S Josh Bush told reporters he had concussion-like symptoms after the Panthers game. He does, however, expect to practice Monday. …RG Brandon Moore wouldn’t disclose the nature of his previously-scheduled “minor procedure.” But the offensive lineman quickly added that he’s fine and will practice Monday. …Ryan also said he was encouraged by the practice participation of WR Chaz Schilens and NT Sione Po’uha.

WR Royce Pollard suffered a torn labrum -- and not a dislocated shoulder as previously thought -- on the final play of Thursday's loss to the Eagles, but is not expected to require surgery. Look for him to make the practice squad though.

*

After reviewing film of Thursday night’s 28-10 loss to the Eagles, Ryan highlighted a few players.

The coach praised the poise of QB Greg McElroy, who teamed up with Terrance Ganaway for the lone touchdown of the preseason. “McElroy did an good job, he absolutely did. He’s really poised and I like the way he protects the football in the pocket. Some of the runs he made, the one (13-yarder) was terrific, that he got the first down on.”

Ryan again complimented the play of new T Jason Smith, who did a sold job in his two quarters of play in his Jets’ debut. “I thought he played really well. That was really encouraging. It’s the first time he’s really been on the left side for an extended period of time since his Baylor days.”

Generously listed at 5-8, DB Isaiah Trufant gets picked on often – and Thursday night’s game was no different. But Ryan said Trufant jumped out at him on film. “It seemed like they threw about 10 vertical shots at him. Over there, but he stood up and did a really nice job, so I was happy to see that,” said Ryan. “The thing that’s unusual about him is that he is a small guy, but he’s a good tackler. He just hangs on, sometimes it looked like he was hanging on for dear life.”  

*
The Jets did some third-down drills in practice, but it wasn’t scripted against Buffalo, the coach said. Ryan said the defense had the edge on third-down and 7-on-7, but the offense marched downfield and kicked the “game-winning” field goal during the two-minute drill.