Jets' Keller out vs. Jags; Tebow a game-time call

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets tight end Dustin Keller will miss Sunday's game at Jacksonville because of a sprained left ankle.

Keller was listed as doubtful Friday after injuring his ankle last Sunday in the Jets' 7-6 win over the Arizona Cardinals. He is second on the team with 28 receptions despite missing four games earlier this season with a hamstring injury. Keller, who sat out practice all week, will likely be replaced in the starting lineup by backup Jeff Cumberland, who has 21 catches this season.

The Jets will also be without backup defensive tackle Damon Harrison, who turned an ankle during practice Thursday.

Backup quarterback Tim Tebow, recovering from two broken ribs, was expected to be a game-time decision.

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Jets cut elder statesman Thomas; TE Keller, FB Connor out Sunday

NEW YORK -- The New York Jets have parted ways with linebacker Bryan Thomas, their longest-tenured player.

Thomas was released Saturday, a day before the team's game at Miami, to make room on the roster for cornerback Donnie Fletcher, who was signed off the practice squad.

The Jets also announced that tight end Dustin Keller and fullback John Conner are out for the game with injuries and would not travel with the team Saturday.

Thomas was the team's first-round draft pick in 2002 and has been a key part of the Jets' defense, mostly as a solid run-stuffing linebacker. He missed most of last season with a torn left Achilles tendon, but was re-signed to a one-year, $900,000 contract in March.

Thomas has been dealing with a hamstring injury the past two weeks, and was listed as doubtful for the Jets' game at Miami on Sunday. He was replaced on the starting defense by Garrett McIntyre, who had two sacks last Sunday at Pittsburgh.

There's a good chance Thomas could be back with the team because he's still dealing with an injury and is a vested veteran with a guaranteed salary and is not subject to waivers. Backup cornerback Ellis Lankster is dealing with a sore back and unlikely to play, forcing the Jets to elevate Fletcher for depth in the secondary.

By cutting the veteran Thomas, the Jets avoided having to subject a younger player to waivers.

Thomas, drafted as a defensive end out of UAB, was switched to outside linebacker in New York and has 31 sacks, seven forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries in his career. He has ranks second in franchise history with 11 playoff appearances.

Keller was listed as questionable Friday as he recovers from a right hamstring injury. He also missed the game against the Steelers, and the Jets struggled on offense without him. Jeff Cumberland will start in his place.

Keller was initially injured in the Jets' second preseason game against Carolina, and then tweaked it again during practice a few days before New York traveled to Pittsburgh.

Conner was listed as doubtful for the game against the Dolphins after re-injuring his right knee against the Steelers. He sprained the medial collateral ligament in the knee in the season opener against Buffalo. Conner will likely be replaced by tight end Konrad Reuland when the Jets use a fullback in their offense.

Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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Revis ready, will play vs. Dolphins; Keller (hamstring) questionable for Jets

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Darrelle Revis is fully recovered from a concussion and will play for the New York Jets after practicing fully for the second straight day.

The All-Pro cornerback is listed as probable on the team's injury report Friday, meaning he'll be back in Rex Ryan's secondary on Sunday in Miami after he missed last week's game at Pittsburgh. Revis suffered what the team called a "minor concussion" in the season opener against Buffalo.

Tight end Dustin Keller (right hamstring) is questionable after missing last week's game, as is defensive back Ellis Lankster (lower back).

Ryan says fullback John Conner (right knee) and linebacker Bryan Thomas (hamstring) are doubtful and unlikely to play. Tight end Konrad Reuland would fill in for Conner if he can't go.

Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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Jets' Po'uha questionable, safety Smith out against Bills; Keller likely to play

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets defensive tackle Sione Po'uha is questionable to play in the team's season opener against Buffalo, and not out, as coach Rex Ryan initially announced.

Safety Eric Smith will not play, but tight end Dustin Keller is expected to go after missing time with a hamstring injury. Ryan said Keller is "ready to roll" after hurting his right leg in the Jets' preseason game against Carolina on Aug. 26.

Ryan said Po'uha, sidelined since training camp with a sore back, is "close" and has been "begging us to play." The team said Ryan misspoke on Po'uha's status because he hadn't read the final injury report.

Smith sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee and hurt his hip in the preseason opener at Cincinnati.

Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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