The extent of Braylon Edwards’ punishment from the Jets won’t be revealed until just before kickoff Sunday night in Miami.
So said Woody Johnson as the Jets owner expressed his disappointment at Edwards’ DWI arrest early Tuesday morning in Manhattan.
“We’re going to make the final decision on his playing time before the game,” Johnson said. “It will come out at that point.”
Rex Ryan already has announced that Edwards will not start against the Dolphins because of the arrest. That wasn’t strong enough to placate some of the Jets’ media critics, but Johnson defended the team’s response.
“He’s not going to start, and that’s about as significant a thing you can do to a starter or a guy who considers himself in that respect,” Johnson said.
The collective bargaining agreement prevents the NFL from suspending Edwards for the DWI and doesn’t allow the Jets to make him inactive, either.
Ryan declined further comment on Edwards, and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said he had not been told by management how much Edwards would be allowed to play Sunday.
Johnson said the Jets did extensive research into the response by other teams to player DWIs that made Johnson comfortable with the Jets’ decision.
“There’s no precedent even for [not starting him],” Johnson said. “That’s about as severe an action as I’ve seen. Most teams have let the legal process take place.”
Johnson said the Jets feel Edwards already is in enough trouble — he faces up to six months in jail and a $1,000 in Ohio for violating his probation if convicted of the DWI in New York — and has done enough damage to his career as a soon-to-be free agent to merit further on-field sanctions.
“He’s been accused of a serious ticket, he’s got serious taint on his record if proven guilty, and he’s going to be a free agent at some point,” Johnson said. “I would guess, if he’s convicted, this is not going to be helpful. He’s got a heavy load in front of him.”
*
Center Nick Mangold did not practice again because of what Ryan described as a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, but the Jets expect Mangold to play against the Dolphins.
Ryan also said he was optimistic that backup offensive lineman Wayne Hunter would play despite a severely bruised right shin.
*
In light of the Edwards incident, ex-Dolphins wideout Patrick Turner said he was told by the Jets he likely will be promoted from the practice squad for Sunday’s game. … Ryan said cornerback Antonio Cromartie picked up in practice where he left off against the Patriots last Sunday by intercepting at least 10 passes in the afternoon workout. “He broke the all-time Florham Park record today,” Ryan said.