Nick Mangold appears ready to step back into the center of the Jets offensive line Sunday against Jacksonville after missing last week's game at Oakland with his neck injury.
"I sure plan on it," Mangold said Thursday about starting against the Jaguars and repeated that sentiment in brief comments with reporters today.
Todd Bowles was asked about Mangold at today's news conference following practice and gave short, direct answers.
What is Nick's injury status?
"He was full practice."
Is he "probable" for the game?
"Correct. Yes."
Has he seen enough from Mangold this week to feel comfortable with him playing?
"Yes."
Two other injury situations, both involving wide receivers, were equally optimistic. WR Eric Decker (knee), who sat out Wednesday's and Thursday's practices, was full-go today and is probable for the game. And rookie Devin Smith, who sat out the Raiders with an ankle injury, is also full/probable.
Other injured players were less positive. Bowles lists three as questionable after limited practices today — WR Brandon Marshall (ankle/toe), CB Buster Skrine (shoulder/hand) and G Willie Colon (knee).
RB Bilal Powell (ankle) was limited all week and is listed as doubtful for the game, while S Calvin Pryor (ankle) didn't practice all week and will not play.
Bowles said for his safety position alongside Marcus Gilchrist, "we have everybody taking reps." By everybody, he listed Marcus Williams, last week's starter; Dion Bailey, who saw extended action against New England two weeks ago when Pryor got hurt; Rontez Miles, still on the practice squad, and even Dee Milliner, a CB who is eligible to come off short-term injured reserve.
"We'll sit down today and look at today's practice," Bowles said of starting safety, "and we'll make a decision."
For the Jaguars, Allen Hurns (ankle/thigh), half of the Jags' strong WR duo, practiced full today and is probable for Sunday. Marqise Lee, who's missed a few games with a hamstring issue, was limited and is doubtful for the Jets.
Click here for both the Jets' and Jaguars' Friday practice reports and Sunday game statuses.
