The Jets' most urgent injury question heading into Sunday's showdown with New England at MetLife Stadium has turned into a holiday present of sorts: linebacker David Harris, after being limited at practice on Christmas Day today at the Atlantic Health Training Center, is listed by head coach Todd Bowles as probable for the Patriots.
Harris suffered a back contusion in the win over at Dallas, apparently when he made a sprawling tackle of Cowboys RB Darren McFadden after a 5-yard reception a little more than six minutes into the game. He came off the field grimacing and didn't return the rest of the way.
Harris rarely comes off the field. From the start of 2012 through the Titans game, he had played in 98.8% of the Jets' defensive snaps (4,001 of 4,049 plays), and his 114-game starting streak dating to 2009 is the longest among active front-seven players in the NFL.
Bowles has called Harris the "glue up front and overall" on the Green & White defense, and the Hitman's condition has been of concern to the Jets and their fans this week. The coach didn't speak with reporters today but Thursday he said Harris was "doing a lot better." Harris was limited at all three practices this week.
"From a mental standpoint, it's hard to lose a guy like that," Bowles said of filling in for Harris in Big D. "But we have guys that have played in the league. Erin [Henderson] and [Jamari] Lattimore stepped right in and played."
Henderson got most of the MLB reps Saturday night and he said he'll be ready when called on Sunday. But if the past is any prologue, once Harris takes the field against the Patriots, it'll be hard to get him off it.
Among the other Jets injury questions, WR Quincy Enunwa (neck) was also limited today and is questionable, and CB Dee Milliner (hamstring) didn't practice and is doubtful for Sunday's game. All the other 10 Jets on the injury report are probable.
The Patriots didn't practice today so their injury wrap is a projection based on if they had practiced. All practice participation was the same as Thursday's workout.
As for game status projections, LB Jonathan Freeny (hand) is listed as out and WR Julian Edelman (foot) is doubtful. Eight other players are questionable, including WRs Danny Amendola (knee) and Brandon LaFell (foot). DE Chandler Jones (abdomen) has practiced full all week and is probable.
Click here for the complete Friday practice reports and Sunday status reports for both the Jets and Patriots.
