New York Jets WR Santonio Holmes returns to field against Carolina Panthers – NFL News
Wide receiver Santonio Holmes will finally put his foot on the field on Sunday, August 26, 2012, as New York Jets play their third preseason game against Carolina Panthers.
Holmes is yet to play a game since the controversial final game of the last season in which he was benched.
Holmes got injured during a practice session in this offseason training camp on August 04. Playing the scrimmage during practice, the receiver got a hit on his ribs from teammate Antonio Cromartie.
It was initially believed that he had broken his ribs, but fortunately the X-ray reports diagnosed that the ribs were only bruised.
As Jets go on the field on Sunday, they will have completely different wide receiving corps as compared to the previous two games.
Holmes is not the only wide receiver who will return from injury. Receiver Jeremy Kerley will also play alongside Holmes.
Head Coach Rex Ryan made the announcement on Friday, August 24, that both Holmes and Kerley will start the game against Panthers.
Both the receivers will have around 10 to 15 plays during the game while the rest of the starters will play the first three quarters of the game.
Kerley aggravated his hamstring injury due to which he failed to participate in most of the offseason training camp. Kerley was very excited about his comeback. He said:
"I hope it could be a big spark," Kerley said. "Get some new legs out there and give Mark some (more) targets."
Jets have been facing a shortage of players at the wide receiving posts of late. Also, the receiver they played in the first two games failed to make much impression.
Jets have been working with veteran Patrick Turner as well as rookie receivers Jordan White and Stephen Hill.
Coach Ryan has previously shown his concern about not having his top offensive players as the regular season comes closer and closer. Ryan said:
“It’s certainly not ideal. You wish that he could be out there. You wish that we hadn’t gone through the injuries we had with Chaz (Schilens) and with other guys with (Jeremy Kerley)… If you had your preference, you want them out there.”
The performance of Holmes and Kerley in this game will give an idea of how much time they will take to return to their prime form.
Tags: