JET NOTES
A year ago, in the moments leading up to their annual preseason finale with the Eagles, Herman Edwards received news that the Eagles were not using any of their starters, something that threw the Jets off and irritated some in the organization.
That somewhat forced the hand of the Jets not to use their starters and some believe they could have used the extra work leading into the regular season.
This week, the Eagles have made it known early that they have little intention of using starters. But this time, Edwards will use his starters, probably for a series or two.
“As far as our guys, as I said earlier this week, they’re going to play,” Edwards said yesterday. “I think Philadelphia announced that some of their starters are banged up, so they probably won’t play. That’s OK, but our guys are going to play. They know that. If it’s five plays, 10 plays, 20 plays, whatever it may be, you go in there and perform well.”
Edwards said he doesn’t buy into the fact that not using his starters in this game last year had anything to do with the Jets’ 0-4 start.
“I don’t think holding the guys out is the reason we went 6-10,” he said. “At this point for us, we’re in a different mindset this year than where we were last year. Every year is different and obviously this year is a little bit different than where we were at last year.”
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Add FS Jon McGraw (groin) to the list of players who won’t play tomorrow’s preseason finale.
Edwards said McGraw probably could play if this were a regular-season game.
Also out are CBs Ray Mickens (knee) and Donnie Abraham (knee), DE Josh Evans (lower back), WR Wayne Chrebet (quad/knee) and DE Bryan Thomas (hamstring). It’s unlikely G/T Brent Smith (triceps) will play.
DB Jamie Henderson re-signed yesterday. They team placed him on the NFI (non-football injury) list with hopes that he’ll be able to participate in the 2005 offseason program and return to the field next season.
Henderson was injured in a motorcycle accident in Georgia on April 3 and nearly died from head injuries. His rehabilitation since has progressed to the point where he and the Jets feel like he has a chance to play again.