The New York Jets have a lot riding on the wide receiver rotation of Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. The team has been aiming for a one-two punch through the air and these two players are supposed to bring that threat for them. However, injuries could easily get in the way of that plan as fans held their breathe when Decker went down with an injury. As the wide receiver downplays the issue, could he miss time on the field?
According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, Decker will have an MRI on his injured knee that was originally ruled a PCL sprain based on postgame tests. The wide receiver told the media that his knee held up fine during the tests, but the team wants an MRI to be safe and rule out the potential of surgery. Cimini writes that regardless of whether or not Decker needs surgery, he is expected to miss time on the field which puts a strain on the offense. Todd Bowles called the receiver day-to-day at this point and would not confirm if Decker was a favorite to play Week 3. With the short week New York has, it is hard to see the receiver on the field.
"I'm going to be smart about it this time," said Decker, via ESPN.com. "I'm not going to rush myself. Obviously, I want to be out there as soon as possible, but we're going to take the proper steps."
Decker was critical in the game against the Indianapolis Colts. In the first half alone he had eight catches for 97 yards and touchdown. He has been a solid safety blanket for Ryan Fitzpatrick and his absence would put a huge hole on the field. If Decker misses time, Cimini writes the team will replace him with Chris Owusu or Quincy Enunwa who have both been breakout stars for the team.
The return of Devin Smith could help fill the role. According to Cimini, the wide receiver has put in a full week of practice following a rib injury suffered in the preseason. Many expected the rookie wide receiver to be active against the Colts, but the Jet held him out one more game. He is expected to be healthy come Week 3 and could see a lot of playing time should Decker be out. Jeremy Kerley does not appear to be the favorite for that spot anymore.
The Jets are thriving right now and Decker is a big reason why. Losing him certainly hurts the momentum, but with the rise of the run game in Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell, it should be something New York has no issues overcoming.
Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that the Jets are bringing back Terrelle Pryor for another workout along with other veteran receivers. If things look serious for Decker, the Jets could also look at Hakeem Nicks, Reggie Wayne or Preston Parker who would all sign for cheap at this point in the year.
