Damien Woody and Eric Smith expected to play for New York Jets on Saturday
After missing the last three games due to knee surgery, New York Jets right tackle Damien Woody is now back at practice and preparing for the first playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday.
Another piece of good news is that Mark Sanchez was also able to practice for a bit on Tuesday while still nursing a sore shoulder. Practice was closed to the media but head coach Rex Ryan later said that Sanchez improved as practice commenced.
"He can zip it, there's no question," Ryan said. "I don't think that will be a problem at all. I never thought the injury was that major. He's doing just fine. When he's in the game, he can zip it like he always does."
Sanchez has not been able to practice fully for weeks now. He only stated this Sunday that his throwing shoulder was still “pretty sore.” He played in only eight snaps against the Buffalo Bills in their last game of the season on Sunday but did not attempt
a single pass.
Woody is expected to play on Saturday and did some light work in practice but was unable to take part in team or positional drills. He tweeted late on Monday night, “I’m baaack” and is thrilled about it.
"It's a good feeling to get out there and get the reps that I really need in order to be effective on Saturday," Woody said.
Backup to run blocker Woody is Wayne Hunter. Although he did a great job in the place of Woody, Woody is still the better of the two and will try his best to be prepared for Saturday. However, if Woody’s newly-repaired knee affects his movement, he will
have a problem with Robert Mathis, the Colts’ leading rusher with 11 sacks this season.
As of now, the Jets are becoming healthy at the perfect time. Every person on their 53-man roster was able to start practice on Tuesday.
James Ihedigbo had been out with a sprained knee and Eric Smith missing due a concussion but both were on the practice field on Tuesday. Smith will most likely be back for Saturday’s game against Indy, after Dwight Lowery has been in his position as starting
safety for the last two games.
The second game of the 2011 playoffs will start at 8:00 PM ET on Saturday January 8 at Lucas Oil Stadium with the Jets against the Colts.
Stay tuned!
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