At this rate, the Jets may need to hold cornerback tryouts.
Two days ago, they placed free-agent bust Trumaine Johnson on injured reserve with a pair of injured ankles and now the other starter, Darryl Roberts, suffered a non-contact calf injury and may be out awhile, too. Roberts’ status for Sunday’s game against the Giants is in doubt after he missed practice Thursday.
“I’m not really sure his availability for the game,” coach Adam Gase said. “I just know those are tough ones to come back from that fast.”
Slot corner Brian Poole, Arthur Maulet and Maurice Canady, claimed off waivers from the Ravens on Wednesday, are candidates to replace Roberts. Nate Hairston has been starting in place of Johnson. Asked if Canady has had enough time to get ready to play, Gase said: “We’ll find out.”
Blessuan Austin, the team’s sixth-round draft pick from Rutgers, was active on Thursday. He began practicing three weeks ago after being out all year with a torn ACL.
“We need anybody who knows the defense,” Gase said.
The Jets are already down several middle linebackers. Now their cornerback situation is just as much of a mess.
Le’Veon Bell wouldn’t guarantee he’ll play Sunday, but all indications are he will able to go after practicing on a limited basis Thursday. The four-time Pro Bowl running back hurt his knee in Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins — he described it as a mild sprain — and was held out of practice Wednesday.
“I feel a little better,” he said. “I was glad I was able to go out and practice today, go out on the field. Hopefully [Friday] I feel better, Saturday I feel better, and get ready for Sunday.”
Linebackers Neville Hewitt (stinger) and Jordan Jenkins (calf), offensive linemen Kelvin Beachum (ankle) and Brian Winters (knee/shoulder), tight end Chris Herndon (hamstring), defensive linemen Steve McLendon (neck) and Henry Anderson (shoulder), and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (hamstring) were limited in practice. Center Ryan Kalil (knee) and middle linebacker C.J. Mosley (groin) were out. … Safety Rontez Miles (neck/hip) was placed on IR. … The Jets waived linebacker B.J. Bello to make room on the roster for Austin.
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