NEW YORK JETS DAILY CLIPS

August 27, 2014

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Table of Contents

ASSOCIATED PRESS ................................................................................................................................................ 2

Jets will fly as far as Geno Smith takes them (Dennis Waszak Jr.) ............................................................................ 2

Ryan: Jets won't decide on Patterson before Thurs. (Dennis Waszak Jr.) ................................................................. 3

Jets suspend Patterson for rest of preseason (Dennis Waszak Jr.) ........................................................................... 4

NEWSDAY .............................................................................................................................................................. 4

Jets confident in Geno Smith's ability to run offense (Kimberley Martin) ................................................................ 4

Jets appear ready to give up on Stephen Hill (Bob Glauber) ..................................................................................... 5

Jets announce Dimitri Patterson suspended for rest of preseason (Kimberley Martin) ........................................... 6

THE RECORD .......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Jets suspend Dimitri Patterson for rest of preseason (J.P. Pelzman) ........................................................................ 7

Jets quarterback coach a Matt Simms fan (J.P. Pelzman) ......................................................................................... 7

STAR-LEDGER ......................................................................................................................................................... 9

Stephen Hill, perhaps in final days with Jets, puking his way through practices (Darryl Slater) ............................... 9

Saalim Hakim on special teams versatility helping his odds to make Jets roster: 'I do it all' (Darryl Slater) ........... 10

Darrin Walls misses Jets practice with minor leg injury; Rex Ryan isn't concerned (Darryl Slater) ........................ 12

NEW YORK POST .................................................................................................................................................. 13

First-team Jets already studying up on the Raiders (George Willis) ........................................................................ 13

Rex: Patterson saga won’t be resolved before Eagles game (Bart Hubbuch) ......................................................... 15

Jets’ defensive stud doesn’t think much of the Giants (Steve Serby) ..................................................................... 15

Stephen Hill a possible Jets cut after very soft Rex endorsement (Bart Hubbuch) ................................................. 17

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................... 18

NY Jets coach Rex Ryan won't talk about suspended corner Dimitri Patterson (Kevin Armstrong) ....................... 18

NY Jets receiver Stephen Hill's final drop may be off team (Manish Mehta) .......................................................... 19

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL ................................................................................................................................ 20

Hill Having a Mountain of Trouble Making Jets' Roster (Stu Woo) ......................................................................... 20

ESPN NEW YORK .................................................................................................................................................. 21

Dimitri Patterson banned until Mon. (Rich Cimini) ................................................................................................. 21

NJ.COM ................................................................................................................................................................ 23

Jets tried to trade WR Stephen Hill this summer, according to report (Dom Cosentino) ....................................... 23

Jets now say Dimitri Patterson suspended until Monday (Dom Cosentino) ........................................................... 23

Why the Jets must cut Dimitri Patterson (Dom Cosentino) .................................................................................... 24

Sporting News picks Jets to finish second in AFC East (Dom Cosentino) ................................................................ 25

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METRO NEW YORK .............................................................................................................................................. 26

Dimitri Patterson suspended only for rest of preseason by Jets (Kristian Dyer) ..................................................... 26

TUESDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS .................................................................................................................... 26

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jets will fly as far as Geno Smith takes them (Dennis Waszak Jr.) Associated Press August 26, 2014

http://pro32.ap.org/article/jets-will-fly-far-geno-smith-takes-them

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Geno Smith has noticed his teammates responding differently to him these days.

A year ago, he was merely a wide-eyed rookie trying to find his way in the NFL. Now, he's the undisputed starting quarterback of the New York Jets.

Smith is brimming with confidence, and with that comes increased respect in the locker room. The bottom line, though, is the success — or failure — of Rex Ryan's team could depend on Smith's performance this season.

"You can only inspire the guys and you can only be that leader if you are on top of your game and you know what you're doing," Smith said. "I appreciate the fact that they have always stuck with me and they have always been confident in me because they've seen the way that I can bounce back from a tough game."

He had plenty of those last season, when he threw 12 touchdown passes and 21 interceptions. But Smith also had some promising moments, particularly during a four-game stretch in which the Jets went 3-1 to end the season 8-8 and saved Ryan's job.

The Jets went into the offseason determined to give Smith every opportunity to show he deserved to be the starter. They also brought in Michael Vick to push Smith, as well as to mentor him — and to be ready to step in if Smith struggled.

Well, Smith hasn't flinched.

Even with a still-effective Vick eager to show he's still one of the most dynamic players in the NFL. Smith got nearly 80 percent of the snaps with the first-team offense in training camp and played well enough to not force Ryan and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg to stray from the plan.

"His composure under pressure is definitely showing up this year," wide receiver Jeremy Kerley said. "He's showing he won't be rattled in pressure situations. Just his learning ability has taken over."

Smith has also become more vocal on the field, and his understanding of the offense has improved. Vick has liked what he has seen from Smith, too, even if that means he'll be kept on the sideline more than he'd like.

"Geno's working extremely hard to be the best quarterback that he can be in this game," Vick said. "You see guys around the league around his age going out having success and doing some good things for their ballclubs and I think he wants to fall right into that echelon."

Here are a few other things to watch this season:

REX RELOADED: Ryan received a multiyear extension during the offseason that could keep him in New York through at least the 2016 season. The heat's still on, though.

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If the Jets miss the playoffs for a fourth straight season — the longest drought in owner Woody Johnson's tenure since taking over in 2000 — Ryan could be the scapegoat. If Smith doesn't progress, the Jets could be in the market for a new coach, a new quarterback and starting from scratch. Again.

CORNERING THE MARKET: After Smith, the most important players are in Ryan's secondary. Or, maybe more accurately, those who aren't there.

Starting cornerback Dee Milliner might not be ready for the season opener while recovering from a high ankle sprain. The status of Dimitri Patterson, expected to be the other starter, is uncertain after he was suspended indefinitely by the team for going AWOL and not showing up for a preseason game. Third-round pick Dexter McDougle is out for the year with a torn knee ligament.

General manager John Idzik could be looking for reinforcements after cutdown day.

"Absolutely, no excuses one way or the other," Ryan said. "I believe that we will be just fine."

SAVE THE DATE: The cornerbacks, whoever they might be, will be thrust into the spotlight quickly.

After opening the season against Oakland, the Jets take on six straight potentially potent offenses: Green Bay, Chicago, Detroit, San Diego, Denver and New England. New York will know a lot more about where it stands after that tough stretch in the schedule.

NEW PLAYMAKERS: Smith and the offense could be forced into some scoring slugfests if the secondary struggles.

The Jets should be a bit more dangerous with wide receiver Eric Decker, running back Chris Johnson and rookie tight end Jace Amaro. New York might have one of the league's top backfield trios with Johnson, Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell. Decker, after catching passes from Peyton Manning in Denver the past two seasons, gives the Jets a legitimate top receiver to pair with the sure-handed Kerley.

'SONS OF ANARCHY: Led by Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and Damon Harrison, the Jets' defensive line is expected to be a force again. All three are Pro Bowl-caliber players, capable of disrupting offenses.

That could take some pressure off the secondary if they can stifle the run and get to the quarterback, something linebackers Quinton Coples, Calvin Pace and Jason Babin will be counted on to do.

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Ryan: Jets won't decide on Patterson before Thurs. (Dennis Waszak Jr.) Associated Press August 26, 2014

http://pro32.ap.org/article/ryan-jets-wont-decide-patterson-thurs

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets coach Rex Ryan doesn't expect the team to have a resolution to the situation regarding suspended cornerback Dimitri Patterson before the preseason finale Thursday at Philadelphia.

Ryan had no updates Tuesday on the status of Patterson, who was suspended by the team indefinitely Monday after returning to the Jets following a 48-hour unexcused absence.

Patterson was at meetings, a walkthrough and the pregame meal last Friday, but didn't show for the preseason game against the Giants at MetLife Stadium. He gave the Jets no warning he would leave the team, and didn't speak to anyone in the organization directly until he met with Ryan and general manager John Idzik on Sunday night.

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Idzik said Monday the team was gathering facts before determining how Patterson will be disciplined.

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Jets suspend Patterson for rest of preseason (Dennis Waszak Jr.) Associated Press August 26, 2014

http://pro32.ap.org/article/jets-suspend-patterson-rest-preseason

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets have suspended cornerback Dimitri Patterson for the rest of the preseason after he left the team last week for 48 hours without speaking to anyone in the organization.

The team announced Tuesday night that additional terms of discipline would not be disclosed. However, Patterson is likely facing a fine.

Patterson had been suspended indefinitely on Monday so the team could gather facts before determining how he would be further disciplined. The team ruled that Patterson will be suspended for the rest of this week, including the preseason finale at Philadelphia on Thursday night, and is eligible to return next Monday.

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NEWSDAY

Jets confident in Geno Smith's ability to run offense (Kimberley Martin) Newsday August 26, 2014

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/jets-confident-in-geno-smith-s-ability-to-run-offense-1.9157970

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - No longer does David Lee have to hold his breath.

The change in Geno Smith's demeanor and play is evident to everyone at One Jets Drive. And that change is the main reason Lee isn't concerned about the second-year quarterback's adjustment to the NFL.

"He has command of the offense, which he didn't a year ago,'' Lee, the Jets' quarterbacks coach, said Tuesday after practice.

Not only has Smith grasped the offense of coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, but he also has impressed the coaches with his pocket poise and ability to read defenses better.

Smith's footwork "has been almost immaculate,'' Lee said, and he also has shown that running with the football is officially part of his repertoire.

But Lee has been most impressed with Smith's ability to protect the football.

"That's probably been the No. 1 most encouraging thing,'' Lee said. "And that'll be the biggest turnaround thing for us if he just takes care of the ball.''

Getting to this point, however, has been difficult for both coach and quarterback.

Lee has seen a lot of quarterbacks come and go in his 10 years in the NFL. Prior to joining the Jets last season, he never had been charged with preparing a rookie to start the entire season. But that's exactly what he was faced with in 2013 when the Jets appointed Smith as their starter and Matt Simms, who had no regular-season starts on his resume, as the backup.

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"So we come in there with he and Matt as No. 1 and No. 2 against Tampa Bay [in Week 1] and we're holding our breath,'' Lee said. "We've got two rookies here fixing to do this whole thing for 16 weeks.''

Smith struggled mightily during November. In three games against the Saints, Bills and Ravens, he completed only 39.06 percent of his passes (25-for-64, 345 yards) with no touchdowns and five interceptions. But he finished the season on a strong note: From Weeks 14-17, Smith had an 83.6 quarterback rating, a .586 completion percentage, four TDs and two interceptions.

Lee said he began to see positive changes in Smith's game starting in late November, adding that he took better care of the ball. And the more Smith played, the more confidence he showed, the coach said. Smith had a .558 completion percentage last season and threw for 3,046 yards, 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.

"So late in the year, you started to see him really play quarterback the way we wanted him to play quarterback,'' Lee said.

He explained that the volume of plays Smith had to learn was overwhelming and that he occasionally "overthought'' things.

"His eyes were everywhere,'' Lee said.

But no longer is Smith trying to win games all by himself.

Although that tactic worked wonders for him at West Virginia, it backfired in the NFL, Lee said.

But now the team is eager to see what Smith has in store in Year 2.

His teammates often rave about his decision-making and his "swagger.'' And so does Lee.

"He even walks through the building with more confidence, more command,'' he said of the 23-year-old. "He's not cocky, he's a humble kid. But, boy, he's a confident quarterback right now at this point in time.''

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Jets appear ready to give up on Stephen Hill (Bob Glauber) Newsday August 26, 2014

http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/bob-glauber/jets-appear-ready-to-give-up-on-stephen-hill-1.9157983

The relationship was flawed from the start, when Rex Ryan questioned the decision to draft Stephen Hill. So after more than two years of waiting to see if Hill was ready to develop into the big-time receiver the Jets had hoped for, the divorce seems inevitable.

Hill came to the Jets as a second-round pick in 2012, a speedster out of Georgia Tech who wowed scouts at the combine with a 4.31 40-yard dash. So smitten was the Jets' scouting staff that general manager Mike Tannenbaum moved up four spots to select the 6-4, 215-pounder.

The Jets thought they had found another Plaxico Burress, a tall, rangy receiver who finally could give the Jets a red-zone threat. There were even comparisons within the organization to another Georgia Tech receiver, Lions All-Pro Calvin Johnson. Ryan doubted that from the start, conceding in an interview during Hill's first camp that he wasn't on board with the pick.

For one September afternoon, Hill flashed all that promise the Jets' scouts had seen in him. In his NFL debut, he made five receptions, including two touchdowns, against the Bills. But it proved to be only a tease; in his next 22 games, he had only two touchdown catches. Meanwhile, the Bears' Alshon Jeffery,

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drafted two spots below Hill, has blossomed into a star, coming off a season in which he caught 89 passes for 1,421 yards and seven TDs.

Hill, who had overcome lingering knee problems, didn't do much to distinguish himself this summer (two catches, 29 yards). That means he's likely to be left off the roster when the Jets make their final cuts Saturday. And if his numbers don't tell you that Hill's tenure with the team is just about over, Ryan's tepid endorsement of his preseason are just as good an indicator.

"I don't want to say he's been outstanding,'' Ryan said Tuesday, "but it's been pretty good.''

Sorry, that's not how a coach talks about someone he plans on keeping. Especially one whose praise of most players is often over the top.

No, this was not a good day for Hill. It began with an ESPN report that indicated the Jets had tried to shop him; Ryan said it was the first he'd heard of any trade talks. Practice wasn't much better. Hill, who battled a virus recently, came back to work but threw up twice. He did complete practice, although he was unavailable for comment during the media locker-room period.

Ryan had a more promising assessment of receiver Greg Salas, who played eight games with the Jets last season and has had a solid camp. It helps that Salas is a contributor on special teams.

"[Salas] is probably in a pretty good situation now,'' Ryan said.

Too bad about Hill. All that speed and potential never amounted to enough, and this year there was more inconsistency during training camp practices and games. There are no more allies in the front office now that John Idzik has replaced Tannenbaum, and Hill never had Ryan's support.

Teams don't like to give up on second-round picks after only two years, especially after trading up to get them, but you can't keep waiting on players. Especially if they haven't provided evidence they're ready to take the next step.

If Hill is going to make it in this league, it looks as if he'll have to do it somewhere else.

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Jets announce Dimitri Patterson suspended for rest of preseason (Kimberley Martin) Newsday August 26, 2014

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/jets-announce-dimitri-patterson-suspended-for-rest-of-preseason-1.9157796

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - The Jets announced Tuesday night that they have suspended Dimitri Patterson for the remainder of the preseason. He is eligible to return to the team on Sept. 1.

The team would not disclose additional terms of discipline.

General manager John Idzik announced Monday that the cornerback had been suspended "indefinitely" after Patterson went AWOL for 48 hours and missed last week's game against the Giants. Idzik said the "brief" suspension would allow them to gather more information about what led to Patterson's unexcused absence. The GM did say there will be further "discipline involved."

A source told Newsday Monday that he's frustrated by his playing time and believes he should be starting.

Patterson has been nursing quadriceps, calf and foot injuries for much of camp and didn't play against the Bengals. And he wouldn't have started against the Giants.

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"No, we weren't going to put him with the starters," said Rex Ryan, who added that a decision regarding Patterson's status wouldn't be made before Thursday night's game in Philadelphia. "He hadn't really worked to that extent. But that doesn't mean we wouldn't have put him in there with the ones at some point.

Jet streams

Darrin Walls did not practice because of an unspecified but "minor" leg injury, Ryan said. Walls won't play vs. the Eagles, but will be ready for Week 1 against Oakland . . . Willie Colon, Chris Johnson (rest days) and Demario Davis (ankle) did not practice, along with Dee Milliner (ankle), Antonio Allen (concussion protocol), Clyde Gates (illness), Troy Davis (quad), Ike Enemkpali (foot) and Antwan Barnes (PUP) . . . Stephen Hill, who was sent home Monday with an illness, returned to practice but vomited on the field for the second straight day.

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THE RECORD

Jets suspend Dimitri Patterson for rest of preseason (J.P. Pelzman) The Record August 27, 2014

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/patterson-suspended-for-rest-of-preseason-1.1076503

FLORHAM PARK - The Jets suspended cornerback Dimitri Patterson for the rest of the preseason, the team announced Tuesday night. Patterson will be eligible to return to the team Monday, when the Jets begin preparation for their regular-season opener against Oakland on Sept. 7.

The Jets also said there would be additional discipline for Patterson, but wouldn't specify what it was. They likely fined Patterson, who was absent from the team for over 48 hours this past weekend without receiving permission and without contacting the organization.

General manager John Idzik had said Monday that Patterson had been suspended "indefinitely" but admitted the suspension likely would be brief.

Patterson, who has been bothered by calf, ankle and quadriceps injuries for most of August, was with the team earlier in the day Friday but never reported to MetLife Stadium for the preseason game against the Giants.

The 31-year-old journeyman had been penciled in as a starter for the Jets since signing a one-year, $3 million deal, including a $1 million signing bonus, in April. But he has been injury-prone in recent seasons and that trend continued this summer. He missed the second preseason game at Cincinnati on Aug. 16 because of various leg woes, and according to a source, was unhappy that he had lost his starting role.

Coach Rex Ryan today said that Patterson would not have started against the Giants had he played, although he would have gotten some work with the first team.

The Jets may be trying to see if they can recoup some of the guaranteed money owed to Patterson, who may have breached his contract by going AWOL. Also, they almost certainly will look for cornerbacks this weekend after all NFL teams make roster cuts Saturday, and they could pick up someone who would make Patterson expendable.

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Jets quarterback coach a Matt Simms fan (J.P. Pelzman) The Record

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August 27, 2014

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/football/qb-coach-a-simms-fan-1.1076493

FLORHAM PARK – Thursday's preseason finale against Philadelphia will be a chance for many of the players at the back end of the Jets' roster to make an impression on the coaching staff.

Former Don Bosco standout Matt Simms, the team's No. 3 quarterback, is expected to play extensively. But he already has made his mark, as quarterbacks coach David Lee made clear Tuesday.

"Matt Simms has improved as much as any guy I think I can ever remember coaching," said Lee, who became the team's quarterbacks coach after the 2012 season.

"Early on," Lee recalled, "he threw so hard [that] our backs couldn't catch it. There was no touch. He developed some touch, [and then] developed more touch. Right now he is accurate."

Lee also praised Simms' performance in the 35-24 loss to the Giants on Friday in which Simms went 9-for-14 for 106 yards with one touchdown — a perfect 11-yard throw to a slanting Greg Salas in the third quarter.

"[That] night is as good as I ever saw him play. I mean he played great," said Lee, who joked that his only quibble with Simms from that game was the brief Victor Cruz-inspired salsa dance he did after that scoring throw.

"He has really improved," Lee added, "and you all can see it. … The ball [is] coming out faster, he knows where he is going [with it] faster, and I love Matt Simms. He is special."

Simms appreciates the kind words, but it doesn't change his mind-set, which has remained the same throughout his three summers with the Jets since he signed as an undrafted free agent in the spring of 2012.

He said he wants to "just continue to play well and make good decisions. I've had a really good preseason so far this year, so I'll just try to continue to build on what I started last year and continue to improve every week."

Simms, who is expected to relieve backup Michael Vick in the first quarter Thursday and then give way to sixth-round pick Tajh Boyd at some point, won the No. 2 job last summer after the season-ending injury to Mark Sanchez. The signing of Vick has pushed him further down the depth chart, and it's unclear whether the Jets will keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster.

A change in the rules regarding practice squads, which went into effect last week, means the second-year pro now is eligible for that squad despite spending all of last season on the active roster.

Then again, given the way Lee spoke about him, the Jets may be reluctant to expose the Franklin Lakes native to waivers, lest another team claim him before the Jets could re-sign him to the practice squad.

"You can't control it," Simms said, referring to the Jets' looming decision about him, "so you might as well just have fun and go out there and play. Play like it's your last chance to ever play. I know that sounds so cliché, but it's really the best way to approach it. Because if you start thinking about all the different factors that go into this business, it'll drive you crazy.

"I've just got to do my job," he added, "play well and remember, too, that not only are my teammates and the coaching staff and the rest of the organization seeing my skills on the field this preseason, but the rest of the league is as well. I feel like I've put a lot of good [game] tape out there the past two years."

Just ask David Lee.

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STAR-LEDGER

Stephen Hill, perhaps in final days with Jets, puking his way through practices (Darryl Slater) Star Ledger August 26, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/08/stephen_hill_perhaps_in_final_days_with_jets_puking_his_way_through_practices.html

FLORHAM PARK – This is surely one of the most trying weeks of Stephen Hill’s rocky NFL career. And he has spent part of it puking.

Hill, who could be in his final days as a Jets wide receiver, came down with an illness that sidelined him for Sunday’s practice. He tried to practice Monday, but vomited and was sent home to recuperate. Hill was back at practice Tuesday, when he “threw up on the field a couple times,” but continued to practice, said coach Rex Ryan.

This is terrible timing for Hill. Most years, when a team is entering its final preseason game, a third-year pro who was drafted in the second round would just be able to stay home and eat chicken noodle soup to calm a queasy stomach. Not Hill. Not this year.

Ryan said Hill will play Thursday night in Philadelphia – a troubling sign for Hill, because guys whose roster spots are assured do not play in the preseason finale. The Jets’ coaches could not wait to see Hill perform this summer, healthy at last after knee injuries hampered his first two seasons.

But Hill has looked underwhelming in training camp and preseason games, putting his employment in jeopardy. The Jets already tried to trade him earlier this summer, but had “no takers,” according to ESPN. If they want to part ways with him now, an unceremonious release might be looming.

Four receivers appear locks to make the Jets’ final, 53-man roster, which must be determined by 6 p.m. Saturday: Eric Decker, Jeremy Kerley, David Nelson and Jalen Saunders. Nelson has out-performed Hill in the competition for the No. 2 outside receiver job. Saunders, a rookie, likely will be retained as primarily a punt returner this year.

The Jets will keep five to seven receives. Hill is seemingly competing for those remaining spots with Greg Salas and Saalim Hakim. While neither of those players has Hill’s physical traits, both play on special teams. That will help their chances of surviving the final cut. Hakim, though unlikely to factor into the passing offense, is now the Jets’ top kickoff returner, since they released receiver Jacoby Ford.

Not playing on special teams is “a disadvantage for anybody, because special teams is something that we said is going to be a point of emphasis,” said Jets coach Rex Ryan. “You look at a Saalim Hakim, the way he’s played on special teams. That’s going to give him a leg up, without question. So I think that’s a big factor in decision making.”

Moreover, strictly as a receiver, Salas has played better than Hill this preseason. Ryan said Salas “is probably in a pretty good situation right now,” because of his versatility as a slot and outside receiver, as well as a special teams contributor. Meanwhile, Ryan offered mostly lukewarm comments on Hill’s preseason.

“I think he’s had some strong moments, but then there’s others that we wish he’d maybe hung onto a ball or so,” Ryan said. “But I think he’s had a pretty good training camp. I wouldn’t say it’s been outstanding.”

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Hill was drafted by the Jets’ previous general manager, Mike Tannenbaum. That is worth remembering with John Idzik now in the GM’s chair. In the 2012 draft, the Jets moved up four spots to pick Hill, trading their fifth- and seventh-round selections to Seattle.

When the Jets picked Hill, receiver Alshon Jeffery was still available. Last season, for the Bears, Jeffery caught 89 passes for 1,421 yards and seven touchdowns. Hill’s career statistics, in 23 games: 45 catches, 594 yards and four touchdowns.

The Jets highly anticipated Hill’s 2014 training camp, with his knee problems behind him. But he looked so-so in camp, and even less impressive in the first three preseason games. Hill played 94 snaps in those games. He made just two catches for 29 yards, on six targets, according to Pro Football Focus. He dropped one pass, per PFF.

“But he’s blocked consistently,” said Ryan. “He just hasn’t had, I guess, a lot of shots at it, to catch the ball. He’s had better moments here (in practice) catching the football. Sometimes you don’t have the opportunities (in games), for whatever reason.”

The Jets fell in love with Hill’s rare combination of size and speed before the 2012 draft. The 6-4, 215-pounder ran the 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds at the NFL Combine. But he ran mostly go routes in a run-focused option offense at Georgia Tech. He caught just 49 passes in three college seasons. He entered the NFL as an unpolished receiver who needed to learn how to properly run a variety of routes.

Quarterback Geno Smith said he sees Hill “taking ownership of his route running and being precise.” But that has not translated to obvious results for Hill, who was not in the locker room Tuesday when it was open to reporters.

The Jets took a chance on Hill. It has not worked out to this point. If they cut him with two years left on his rookie contract, they will have to eat a “dead money” figure of $1.033 million this year and $466,791 next year. Hill this season is due to count $1.285 million against the Jets’ salary cup. But the Jets have about $22 million in cap space to spare for this season – more than enough to account for Hill’s dead money while using his roster spot elsewhere, perhaps at the attrition-riddled cornerback position.

His current gastrointestinal issues aside, Hill is finally healthy. He remains a physically gifted receiver. Does he deserve another season, one last opportunity to show what he can do at 100 percent? Ryan pondered that question Tuesday for only a couple seconds.

“That’s what training camp is about,” he said. “Everybody has had opportunities.”

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Saalim Hakim on special teams versatility helping his odds to make Jets roster: 'I do it all' (Darryl Slater) Star Ledger August 26, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/08/saalim_hakim_on_special_teams_versatility_helping_his_odds_to_make_jets_roster_i_do_it_all_ill_kick.html

FLORHAM PARK – Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Calif., is a beach community of about 12,000 people. Located 25 miles north of San Diego, it is one of those little slices of paradise where you can surf year-round, and eat shrimp and chorizo burritos while watching the sun set into the Pacific Ocean. On a street just inland from the beach is a stylish establishment called Azzaria Boutique and Denim Lounge.

If you remember Az-Zahir Hakim, the former NFL wide receiver and punt returner, that is where he works now, as the co-owner of this boutique. He played in the NFL from 1998-2006 and won a Super Bowl with the Rams after the 1999 season.

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Though Hakim has long since left football behind, he might not need to travel far on Oct. 5 to feel intimately reconnected to the game. That’s when the Jets play at the Chargers, and when Hakim’s younger brother, Saalim Hakim, might just be in a green-and-white uniform, darting down the field on special teams.

The Jets’ final preseason game is Thursday night at the Eagles. It is the last chance for players on the brink of getting cut to impress the coaches. Hakim seemed like very much of a fringe player entering training camp, especially at a crowded wide receiver position. But his value as a special teams player – and not just as a fast return man, like his brother was – could result in him making the Jets’ final, 53-man roster.

The Jets have until 6 p.m. Saturday to make their final cuts. Four receivers seem to be locks to make the roster: Eric Decker, Jeremy Kerley, David Nelson and Jalen Saunders. The Jets cut Jacoby Ford on Sunday, after he botched chances as both a receiver and a returner. Coach Rex Ryan said upon Ford’s release that Hakim was now his top kickoff returner. Saunders had been listed as the No. 1 punt returner.

If the Jets keep five receivers, the final spot could come down to Hakim, Greg Salas and Stephen Hill, a third-year pro and former second-round draft pick. Salas plays special teams, which helps his value. Hill plays only offense. The Jets could end up keeping six receivers, which means three guys would be competing for two spots. Clyde Gates could also be in the mix. Either way, it would seem that Hill not playing special teams could be a disadvantage for him in the coming days.

“Well, it’s a disadvantage for anybody, because special teams is something that we said is going to be a point of emphasis,” Ryan said. “You look at a Saalim Hakim, the way he’s played special teams. That’s going to give him a leg up, without question. So I think that’s a big factor in decision making.”

Hakim is an interesting story, regardless of whether he makes the Jets’ final 53. He played eight years of soccer before giving up the sport after his junior year in high school. In 2007, when Hakim was a high school senior, he decided to try football, largely because he saw how much his older brother had enjoyed the game.

“I always wanted to play football, but soccer was going on then, at football time,” Hakim said. “So I couldn’t play both.”

Hakim’s high school in Las Vegas ran a single-wing offense, with no true receivers, so he played running back. He wanted to continue pursuing football in college, and he landed on a junior college team – Palomar College in San Marcos, Calif., near San Diego. Hakim spent two seasons there, and then one at a Division II school, Tarleton State, outside of Dallas.

After playing the 2011 season with the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League – a team coached by former Giants coach Jim Fassel – Hakim had stints with the Cowboys, Rams and Saints in 2012. He never appeared in a game. The Jets signed him to their practice squad last October and promoted him to the active roster in mid-December after they put Hill on injured reserve with nagging knee issues.

Hakim appeared in the final three games last season and had two carries for a total of minus-11 yards. In those three games, he played five, three and one snap. The Jets knew Hakim had prodigious speed – he remains one of their fastest players – so they decided to begin working him as a special teams player.

Hakim has not been all that impressive as a receiver this summer – his catching skills remain questionable – but he is showing potential on special teams. He plays on all four units – kickoff return and coverage, and punt return and coverage.

In high school and college, the extent of Hakim’s special teams experience was one kickoff return at Tarleton State. Before coming to the Jets, Hakim said he has never done any coverage stuff, at any level.

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Yet he seems to be adjusting well to a relatively new role, just as he learned to play receiver for the first time at junior college.

“If somebody shows it to me and shows me how to do it, boom, I’m going to do it just like that, how they want me to do it,” Hakim said.

Hakim’s ability as a wide receiver is largely irrelevant for the Jets. He is not going to be a major factor in their passing game. They need him much more as a kickoff returner, and also as a gunner on punt coverage – the two players on the edge of the coverage alignment who are usually first down the field to tackle the returner. Hakim and Ellis Lankster, a special teams ace, are the Jets’ primary gunners, according to Hakim.

“I love special teams,” he said. “They taught me a lot here.”

He had to learn how to get past double-team blocks from the gunner position, how to hold up an opponent while making a block on punt return, and how to keep contain on kickoff coverage. Keeping contain means running down the field and making sure the returner does not get outside, near the sideline. Hakim and the other players on the edge of the kickoff coverage want to pinch the returner toward the middle of the field, where he has a likelier chance of being tackled.

Hakim said playing on the coverage units has not been a major adjustment for him, even though he had never done it before.

“Not really, because I do it all,” he said. “I play any position. I’m a football player. I play receiver, kickoff, I tackle. I’ll do whatever you want me to do. I love playing football. I’ll kick the ball if you want me to.”

Hakim has one special teams tackle in each of the Jets' past two preseason games. He also has two kickoff returns in the preseason, including a 32-yarder last week against the Giants.

Learning all of these special teams roles “wasn’t hard, because the way (the Jets coaches) helped me made it easy,” Hakim said. “They broke it down to me and showed me how to get off double blocks, how to release. My tackling is good. It’s kind of fun to be the person that hits somebody sometimes. You get hit and you play receiver, and then you like to go down and hit somebody, too. So it’s fun. Tackling is fun. Football is fun.”

Which, really, is why he always wanted to follow his older brother’s path in the sport. Az-Zahir Hakim, who added significant value to his own career by playing special teams, told Saalim that he would need to do the same, in order to stick in the NFL. He offered Saalim a lot of special teams pointers, mainly to “play fast.”

In about a month, Az-Zahir might just be able to drive down Interstate 5 to the Chargers’ stadium and see his advice at work.

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Darrin Walls misses Jets practice with minor leg injury; Rex Ryan isn't concerned (Darryl Slater) Star Ledger August 26, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/08/darrin_walls_misses_jets_practice_with_minor_leg_injury_rex_ryan_isnt_concerned.html

FLORHAM PARK – Cornerback Darrin Walls, whose role in the Jets’ secondary has suddenly been spotlighted, did not practice Tuesday. But coach Rex Ryan is not concerned. He said Walls is nursing a minor leg injury that won’t jeopardize his status for the Sept. 7 season opener against Oakland.

“He’s fine,” Ryan said.

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Walls won’t play in Thursday’s preseason finale at the Eagles, since Ryan wants to be as healthy as possible at cornerback entering the Raiders game. Cornerbacks Ellis Lankster and LeQuan Lewis will play, and seem likely to be the starters Thursday.

The Jets have sustained significant attrition to their cornerback spot. So they need Walls at 100 percent. On Monday, Ryan had already ruled him out of playing against the Eagles. Walls, at this point, has been elevated to a starting job. He started opposite converted safety Antonio Allen in Friday’s game against the Giants.

One Jets starting corner, Dee Milliner, is recovering from a high ankle sprain. Another, Dimitri Patterson, remains indefinitely suspended after going AWOL from the team. A likely top backup, rookie Dexter McDougle, is out for the year with a knee injury. Allen, who moved to corner after Milliner and McDougle got hurt, sustained a concussion Friday against the Giants.

Tuesday was the Jets’ final practice before their game in Philadelphia. They used Tuesday as an opportunity rest starters who aren’t going to play in the preseason finale anyway. Right guard Willie Colon, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in the offseason, had a rest day. So did running back Chris Johnson, also coming off knee surgery. Weak-side linebacker Demario Davis sat out while nursing a minor ankle injury.

As expected, four other Jets did not practice Tuesday: Milliner, linebacker Troy Davis (quad), rush linebacker Antwan Barnes (still on the physically unable to perform list after knee surgery) and rookie rush linebacker IK Enemkpali (who missed the Giants game with a foot injury that is not a bone break, said Ryan). Oh, and Allen was obviously out, as well.

Wide receiver Stephen Hill, whose days in a Jets uniform could be numbered, vomited on the field Tuesday, but remained in practice. He did not practice Sunday because of an illness. He tried to practice Monday, but was sent home after vomiting.

Ryan said tight end Jeff Cumberland continues to do maintenance stretching work during practice after returning from tightness in his Achilles tendon. But Ryan considers Cumberland to be back – a good sign for the Jets’ offense.

“Jeff is ready to go,” Ryan said.

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NEW YORK POST

First-team Jets already studying up on the Raiders (George Willis) New York Post August 26, 2014

http://nypost.com/2014/08/26/first-team-jets-already-studying-up-on-the-raiders/

Quarterbacks coach David Lee didn’t want to the spill beans when asked if Geno Smith already was watching film and preparing for the Raiders because he won’t play in Thursday’s final preseason game against the Eagles in Philadelphia.

“I’ll defer to Rex [Ryan] and Marty [Mornhinweg] on that,” Lee said, referring to the Jets head coach and offensive coordinator.

Smith, meanwhile, had no problems divulging has been watching film of the Raiders “pretty extensively” in preparation for the Sept. 7 season opener at MetLife Stadium.

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“They’ve got new players,” Smith said. “They’ve got the same defensive coordinator, so there will be some similar things from last year. There will be some differences, but the key thing is finding out exactly what’s changed and what’s different and being able to go out and execute.”

Truth is, all of the starters not ticketed to play against the Eagles have been watching film of the Raiders from not only this preseason, but also last season.

Only guard Brian Winters might see action in Philadelphia. The rest of the starters on offense and defense will be cheerleaders Thursday night, helping the second and third stringers do the best they can. The starters, however, already are gearing for the Raiders.

“That’s what most of us are doing,” said defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. “It’s just more preparation. We should know whatever wrinkle they might have in their game-plan as far as attacking us.”

It’s being treated almost like a bye week, a chance to rest, heal and mentally prepare for a game in the distance. Formal implementation of the game plan won’t begin until next week, which is why center Nick Mangold described watching film of the Raiders this way: “You can take a peek, but without a game plan it’s like watching a movie without the sound,” he said. “You’re just trying to get jump-started a little bit.”

Even Ryan had the Raiders on the brain when he noted the near 90-degree weather during Tuesday’s practice session in Florham Park.

“I like this weather,” he said. “I hope it holds out for the Raiders, putting them in those black jerseys at 1 o’clock. If the humidity is up that would be nice.”

Ryan admitted the practice session was longer, “because we’re looking at two different teams,” meaning the Eagles and the Raiders.

The Jets are nowhere near a finished product yet. Their issues in the secondary have been well-documented. There also are decisions to make at wide receiver and Lee wants Smith to fine tune his game.

“Just tighten up everything a little bit better,” Lee said of Smith. “Keep my eyes downfield a little bit longer and if I’m going to run pump twice and take off and run, just putting those things together.

“Hopefully, we’ll be ready to go when the games start. We’re not quite ready right now.”

It’s not like the starters don’t care about the game in Philadelphia. Actually, they care the young teammates they have nurtured throughout training camp do well in what amounts to their last chance to impress the coaching staff.

“We going to support the guys that are out there and support them as much as we can,” Mangold said. “This is their time to shine. You want to make sure they put their best foot forward.”

Veteran offensive tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson put it this way.

“The ultimate goal is to get our 53 and then prepare for the Raiders,” he said. “But this is a great opportunity for the guys to make the team and show their stuff. Then those individuals will help our team when we do play Oakland. It’s important. We’re all putting time into our preparation.”

Ryan didn’t want to discount the importance of Thursday’s preseason finale in Philadelphia, in which players such as wide receiver Stephen Hill could be fighting for a job.

“It should be a heck of a night,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for guys to show what they’ve got one last time.”

Then it’s on to the Raiders for real.

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Rex: Patterson saga won’t be resolved before Eagles game (Bart Hubbuch) New York Post August 26, 2014

http://nypost.com/2014/08/26/rex-patterson-saga-wont-be-resolved-before-eagles-game/

The Jets’ showdown with cornerback Dimitri Patterson apparently won’t be coming to a speedy conclusion.

Rex Ryan said Tuesday he doesn’t expect any new developments in Patterson’s indefinite suspension before the Jets finish the preseason Thursday night against the Eagles in Philadelphia.

“No updates,” Ryan said of Patterson, who was suspended Monday by the team for failing to show for last Friday’s preseason loss to the Giants and then going AWOL for the next 48 hours.

According to the collective bargaining agreement, the Jets still have some time to complete the investigation that general manager John Idzik promised while announcing Patterson’s suspension.

CBA rules allow a player to be suspended for conduct detrimental to the team for a maximum of four weeks before the team must reinstate him or release him.

Ryan did not rule out releasing Patterson, even though the journeyman was a projected starter and the Jets’ most high-profile veteran addition at cornerback this offseason.

Patterson has not explained why he left, but Ryan said the Jets did not plan to have him in the starting lineup against the Giants after Patterson missed two weeks with leg injuries.

Jets quarterbacks coach David Lee wasn’t happy with backup Matt Simms doing the Victor Cruz salsa dance after throwing a touchdown against the Giants.

Simms is a workout partner with Cruz and said he didn’t mean it as an insult, but Lee was not amused.

“The other night is as good as I’ve ever seen him play,” Lee said. “He played great, [but then] he did his little salsa dance. I got him on the phone and told him if he ever did that again I was going to castrate him.”

Lee appeared to dispute a report last week claiming Jets coaches were disappointed Michael Vick passively accepted his fate as Geno Smith’s backup.

“Mike Vick has been great,” Lee said. “He has been a great addition. He came in here and did exactly what we asked him to do. He’s pushed Geno. He’s been a tremendous competitor.

“I’m just shocked at what a team guy [Vick] has been from the start. But you put him on the field and he’s a competing machine. His eyes change. He wants to go. He wants to put it in the end zone every time he gets the ball.”

Ryan was asked if he had ever been in a more dire situation than the one the Jets are currently facing at cornerback, where three of their top four players are either out with injuries or suspended.

This is nothing, Ryan responded.

“Guys, I coached at New Mexico Highlands,” he said.

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Jets’ defensive stud doesn’t think much of the Giants (Steve Serby) New York Post August 26, 2014

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http://nypost.com/2014/08/26/jets-defensive-stud-doesnt-think-much-of-the-giants/

The Giants won the Snoopy Bowl, but that doesn’t mean they should be in any hurry to call themselves The Best Team in New York.

Star-in-the-making Sheldon Richardson is certain the better team in 2014 resides inside the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center.

“This year, yeah,” the tell-it-like-it-is Defensive Rookie of the Year told The Post.

Based on what you saw Saturday night, this is the better team.

“If you’re saying if this was a real game and the 1s were out there, I think it would have been a pretty different game,” Richardson said. “It wouldn’t even be close.”

Even with the young quarterback?

“Geno [Smith]? Even with the young quarterback,” Richardson said.

The Giants have a two-time Super Bowl MVP at quarterback.

“What does that mean? What-Have-You-Done-For-Me-Lately league, that’s what it’s called,” Richardson said.

Oh, and Andre Williams, who labeled the Giants “The Real New York Team” beforehand, didn’t look much like a real NFL running back in the first half, according to Richardson.

“He was scared,” the refreshingly-honest Richardson said. “I’ve seen him play at Boston College. Didn’t run the same. He was scared, man. He did his thing against the 2s and 3s though, I give him that.”

He was hesitant? “Yeah. Tiptoeing a lot,” Richardson said.

Eli Manning’s ongoing struggles with Ben McAdoo’s West Coast offense were difficult to miss until the 11-play, 91-yard touchdown drive before halftime.

“Got some kinks to work out, you can notice that stuff, little stuff like that — it’s to the point where he don’t trust his offensive lines that much, ’cause he’s watching the rush,” Richardson said. “Little stuff like that.”

That’s big stuff, though, isn’t it?

“Somewhat,” Richardson said. “Trusting offensive line, yeah that’s big, but new offense, new calls, and the way we send blitzes, it’s kinda rough,” Richardson said.

Asked what he thought of the Giants in general, Richardson said: “The 2s and 3s kept it going for ’em, picked it up a lot for ’em, but yeah, the 1s got a lot of work to do,” Richardson said.

The difference was more than just up front.

“Just saying that offense couldn’t handle our defense, period, not just offensive and defensive line,” Richardson said.

“They got around the edges a few times, but other than that, pretty much dead the whole night when we [the starters] were out there. The referees thawed ’em out too a little bit with not giving us our interception, but it is what it is.”

Manning still found a way to get his team into the end zone on that drive.

“Momentum swings happen,” Richardson said. “A few penalties in their favor.”

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Richardson does think complete back Rashad Jennings (67 yards rushing, including a 23-yarder, on 13 attempts) will help the Giants.

“I like him,” Richardson said. “He was patient. Let his holes develop. Made us hold our blocks a little bit longer.”

Calvin Pace recognizes that offenses are vanilla by design in the preseason. “I do think they were trying to establish the running game, which is what the Giants have been doing forever,” Pace said, “which, I think is good for their team. I think they got two running backs that fit what they’re trying to do.”

Asked what he thought of Jennings, Pace said: “I like him. I think he’s a very good back. Runs hard, can break tackles, got some speed. I think he’s gonna do some damage for ’em.”

And the rookie? “He’s gonna be a good player,” Pace said. “He runs hard, and downhill.”

The linebacker is confident teams will have trouble on the ground against the Jets.

“I like the way we match up with anybody, man,” Pace said. “I think it’s gonna be real difficult for teams to just legitimately run the ball down the field.

“In this day and age, let’s be real — nobody really is that committed to the run anymore. I think that day is gone. It’s just a passing league, it’s almost college. Everybody wants to put up 5,000 yards in a season. It’s the changing times.”

Manning and the Giants, Snoopy Trophy notwithstanding, are trying so hard to change with them.

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Stephen Hill a possible Jets cut after very soft Rex endorsement (Bart Hubbuch) New York Post August 26, 2014

http://nypost.com/2014/08/26/stephen-hill-a-possible-jets-cut-after-very-soft-rex-endorsement/

The young and not-so-memorable Jets career of wide receiver Stephen Hill could soon be coming to an end.

Rex Ryan wasn’t exactly reassuring to the former second-round pick Tuesday while being peppered with questions about Hill’s future during his daily press conference.

Based on Ryan’s comments, the combination of drops, injuries and the fact Hill doesn’t play special teams have put the speedy ex-Georgia Tech star in a precarious roster position going into Thursday’s preseason finale at the Eagles and Saturday’s final cutdown.

“He’s had some strong moments, but there are others where we wish maybe he had hung on to a ball or so,” Ryan said of Hill, a 2012 pick by former GM Mike Tannenbaum. “But he’s had a pretty good training camp. I don’t want to say it’s been outstanding, but it’s been pretty good.

“He’s blocked consistently, but he just hasn’t had a lot of shots at catching the ball,” Ryan added. “We’re still evaluating that receiving group, and we’ll see how it shakes out.”

Hill has just two catches for 29 yards in the Jets’ first three preseason games this year. ESPN reported Tuesday morning the Jets had tried to trade Hill in the offseason, though Ryan said “that was the first I have heard of that.”

Hill ended last season on injured reserve because of knee swelling and has been bothered by an illness this week. He was excused from practice Monday after vomiting on the field, then vomited twice again Tuesday but finished the workout.

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At the same time he was offering little more than faint praise for Hill, Ryan couldn’t say enough good things about two unheralded wideouts trying to make the roster in Saalim Hakim and Greg Salas.

Ryan noted that Hakim and Salas both play special teams, unlike Hill, and that special teams will be a distinct advantage in the final cuts.

“Special teams is something we said is going to be a point of emphasis,” Ryan said. “The way Salim Hakim is playing special teams is going to give him a leg up, without question. That’s a big factor in decision-making.”

Ryan made it sound as if Salas, a 2011 fourth-round pick by the Rams, has locked up a spot at receiver.

“He can play outside, inside and also gives special-teams value,” Ryan said of Salas. “He’s probably in a pretty good situation right now.”

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NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

NY Jets coach Rex Ryan won't talk about suspended corner Dimitri Patterson (Kevin Armstrong) New York Daily News August 26, 2014

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-insider-rex-ryan-mum-fate-suspended-db-article-1.1918199

Coach Rex Ryan declined to comment when asked whether or not cornerback Dimitri Patterson could be released in light of his going AWOL last week, and Ryan insisted Patterson’s fate would not be determined before Thursday’s preseason finale.

Patterson, 31, was suspended indefinitely by general manager John Idzik for not showing up to the Jets’ game against the Giants last Friday, and not contacting the team until Sunday night. Patterson remains on uncertain ground with the organization as he will not be allowed to play Thursday. He will be eligible to return Sept. 1.

“I just hope he’s fine, hope he’s OK as a teammate, as a friend,” quarterback Geno Smith said.

Patterson, a journeyman jockeying for a role, is believed to have been upset with his spot on the team’s depth chart after struggling through training camp with ankle, calf and quadriceps injuries. Ryan maintained that Patterson’s status was expected to be a game-time decision heading into the Giants’ contest. Patterson was not expected to start, but he would have played with the first team if cleared.

“He hadn’t worked to that extent, but that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t have put him in there with the ones at some point,” Ryan said. Ryan kept some of his humor to lend perspective to his team’s current cornerback situation. He noted it was not the most dire situation of his coaching career.

“Guys, I coached at New Mexico Highlands,” Ryan said.

RAID ALERT

Smith and the Jets have turned their attention, as well as their laptops, iPads and television screens to the Oakland Raiders, the team that the Jets will open their regular season against Sept. 7 at MetLife Stadium.

Smith noted the Jets were already looking “pretty extensively,” at the Raiders, whom the Jets defeated in December last season, 37-27. Smith threw for a touchdown in the game.

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“The key is finding out what’s changed and what’s different,” Smith said.

INJURY UPDATE

CB Darrin Walls (leg) missed practice Tuesday, but Ryan said, “It’s not a major issue.” LB Demario Davis (ankle) is expected back to action soon.

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NY Jets receiver Stephen Hill's final drop may be off team (Manish Mehta) New York Daily News August 26, 2014

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/jets-receiver-stephen-hill-final-drop-team-article-1.1918195

Stephen Hill participated in a two-hour football practice with grown men Tuesday, throwing up a couple times along the way, but he was apparently too violently ill to discuss what might be the most important game of his fledgling career.

The Jets’ media relations staff babied the third-year receiver who is squarely on the roster bubble entering Gang Green’s preseason finale in Philly on Thursday night, shielding him from reporters amid whispers that he may be cut or traded in the coming days.

Hill, so ravaged by illness, was scheduled to somehow muster up the energy to attend team meetings later in the day, according to a team spokesman.

Rex Ryan could use more gamers like that.

Hill’s disappearing act wasn’t confined to the locker room on Tuesday. The injury-plagued wide receiver has done little to earn a roster spot in what is supposed to be a meritocracy under general manager John Idzik. Sure, there are exceptions to the rule (see: faux quarterback competition), but Hill has tested the brain trust’s patience with lackluster play in training camp and the preseason.

“I think he’s had some strong moments, but then there’s others that we wish he maybe hung on to a ball or so,” Ryan said after practice on Tuesday. “I think he’s had a pretty good training camp. I wouldn’t say it’s been outstanding, but I think it’s been pretty good.”

The Daily News reported in February that team decision makers were losing their patience with Hill after two underachieving seasons that landed him on season-ending injured reserve due to his creaky knees. On Tuesday, an ESPN report surfaced that the Jets had unsuccessfully tried to trade Hill this summer. “I didn’t try to trade him,” Ryan said. “A lot of times with anything, you’ll listen to things that are thrown out there.”

On the surface, the 6-4, 215-pound Hill should be running circles around a pedestrian group of receivers vying for one of the final two receiver jobs up for grabs. However, he’s been invisible for much of training camp and the preseason, making a splashy play once in a blue moon to get your hopes up that perhaps he can realize his potential.

Eric Decker, Jeremy Kerley, David Nelson and Jalen Saunders will make the 53-man roster, leaving two — maybe three − more spots. Hill is competing with Greg Salas, Saalim Hakim and Clyde Gates for one of the remaining spots.

Ryan admitted that Hakim’s value as a kick returner is “going to give him a leg up.” The head coach said that Salas is “probably in a good situation right now” after a solid camp and preseason. None of that bodes

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well for Hill, who has just 45 receptions for 594 yards and four touchdowns in his first two seasons after the Jets traded up in the second round for him in 2012.

Would the Jets really give up on the 23-year-old Hill after two years knowing that he almost certainly has a higher ceiling than the guys he’s competing against right now?

“Potential and ceiling always goes into it,” Ryan said of the factors involved in the decision-making process. “Along those lines, you just don’t play for today. You’re playing for today and the future. So sometimes when it’s close that may be a bigger factor than maybe it would be in another situation.”

“I’m confident we’ll keep the right guys,” Ryan added.

Ryan pointed to Hill’s knee issues last year for his poor production, but didn’t appear to be so forgiving when asked if the young receiver deserved at least one more season to prove himself now that he’s healthy.

“Everybody gets opportunities,” Ryan said. “That’s what training camp’s about.”

Hill doesn’t deserve a roster spot purely based on stats. He has only two receptions for 29 yards and two drops on six targets in three preseason games. However, none of the others has had any monster performances, either.

“They’ve all had their moments . . . (and) made some nice plays,” Ryan said. “Maybe other times not as good as you’d like. . . . Nobody’s really had the breakout eight-catch performance (or) two-touchdown performance.”

Salas, who was signed off the Eagles’ practice squad last year, has been the most dependable. In a true meritocracy, it would be a no brainer: He’d be a shoo-in for one of the openings. “They preach competition and I’ve come in here and I’ve competed well,” Salas said. “I’m hoping that’s good enough and I’m hoping on Thursday night to do more.”

Hill’s inability to contribute on special teams doesn’t help his cause.

“It’s a disadvantage for anybody because special teams is something that we said is going to be a point of emphasis,” Ryan said. “That’s a big factor in decision-making.”

So, who should make the cut?

“It really comes down to who helps your offense win,” Geno Smith said. “It’s about making winning plays.”

Hill hasn’t made nearly enough of them this offseason. He’ll have another chance on Thursday − maybe a last chance − to prove he belongs.

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THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Hill Having a Mountain of Trouble Making Jets' Roster (Stu Woo) The Wall Street Journal August 26, 2014

http://online.wsj.com/articles/stephen-hill-may-not-make-jets-roster-1409098615

FLORHAM PARK, N.J.—If this is Stephen Hill's last week with the Jets, at least he is leaving everything on the field.

Hill, the Jets' third-year receiver, has been fighting a stomach bug that sidelined him for Monday's practice and caused him to vomit at least twice on the field during Tuesday's training, according to coach Rex Ryan.

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But the bug isn't all he's fighting through: There are indications that the Jets are ready to cut Hill, who was regarded as a budding superstar just two years ago but has seen disappointing returns on the field.

Ryan, who typically uses only superlatives to describe his players in public, said Tuesday that he wished Hill had dropped fewer passes during the team's training camp this summer.

More telling, the coach also said he plans to play Hill in Thursday's preseason finale in Philadelphia, a clear sign that Hill's job is in jeopardy. Their positions secure, the Jets' regular-season starters will watch from the sidelines as the rest of the current 75-man team vies for 53 final roster spots.

Hill did not speak with reporters after practice Tuesday, and did appear ill as he trudged into the locker room.

If he does fail to make the team out of camp, it will count as a bitter disappointment for the organization. The Jets traded up in the second round of the 2012 draft to nab Hill, who impressed them with his 6-foot-4 frame and 4.36-second 40-yard dash time. The selection looked brilliant when Hill caught five passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns in a 2012 season-opening win over Buffalo.

Since then, he has been beset by inexperience, injuries and clumsy hands. The Jets always regarded Hill as a long-term project, in part because his teams at Georgia Tech employed a run-heavy offense, limiting him to just 28 catches in his final season. After his sparkling debut as a rookie, Hill saw his progress slow to a crawl, with just 21 receptions for 252 yards, before his season came to a premature end with a knee injury in December.

Hill began last season as the team's No. 2 receiver, but achy knees again limited him to just 12 games. For the second straight year, his season ended in December, and he hoped to come back healthy in 2014.

During training camp this summer, Hill has impressed and frustrated in equal measure, scoring long touchdowns and dropping easy passes, drawing laughs from Jets fans who have come to expect it.

Even Ryan, while praising Hill Tuesday for what he called a fine effort during camp, acknowledged that. "There were other times when we wish he could hang onto the ball," he said.

The drops are especially glaring given that two other receivers fighting for spots, David Nelson and Greg Salas, have shown superb hands in the preseason. Their roster spots appear safe, as do those of veterans Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley. Fourth-round pick Jalen Saunders, currently listed as the team's top punt returner, also appears likely to make the team.

Incredibly, given his size and speed, Hill is just trying to crack the roster. Unlike Salas or Saalim Hakim, Hill does not play on special teams, which makes him less versatile.

"It's a big disadvantage for anybody," Ryan said.

The deadline for NFL teams to pare their rosters from 75 players to 53 arrives on Saturday.

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ESPN NEW YORK

Dimitri Patterson banned until Mon. (Rich Cimini) ESPN New York August 27, 2014

http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/11415552/new-york-jets-dimitri-patterson-suspension-rest-preseason?ex_cid=espnapi_public

Daily Clips Cont.

22 | P a g e

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets cornerback Dimitri Patterson, who didn't show for a game and went AWOL last weekend for 48 hours, was suspended for the remainder of the preseason and received additional discipline from the team, the Jets announced Tuesday night.

The team didn't disclose the exact nature of the discipline, but it's likely a fine. Patterson is eligible to return Monday, when the Jets start preparations for the season opener against the Oakland Raiders.

The announcement came one day after the Jets suspended him indefinitely for what they termed an "unexcused" absence, which irked the organization and some teammates. On Monday, general manager John Idzik indicated it wouldn't take long to make a decision on Patterson's fate.

Earlier Tuesday, coach Rex Ryan said he didn't expect a verdict to come down until after the final preseason game, Thursday night against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Evidently, the Jets felt comfortable with the information they gathered as to what prompted the journeyman cornerback to bolt for two days. Idzik had said they needed time to investigate what led to Patterson's "drastic" behavior.

Team officials referred to Patterson's actions as "baffling" and "highly unusual," wondering whether Patterson is 100 percent committed to the team. There was speculation that he could be released, a notion the Jets didn't immediately dismiss.

The suspension doesn't preclude the Jets from cutting Patterson over the weekend, when teams are making their final cuts, but that seems unlikely, considering they announced he's eligible to rejoin the team Monday.

Beset by injuries, the Jets are desperate at cornerback, which might have factored into their decision to retain Patterson -- for the time being, anyway. Neither Ryan nor Idzik was available to comment on the suspension.

The mystery started Friday night, when Patterson didn't show for the Jets' game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Team officials tried frantically to locate him, not knowing until the next day -- through his agent -- that he was safe and unharmed.

Patterson met Sunday night with Ryan and Idzik, explaining his behavior. The Jets have refused to divulge Patterson's reasoning, but the well-traveled veteran, 31, was disgruntled with his role on defense, according to a source.

The decision to move safety Antonio Allen to cornerback apparently didn't sit well. Patterson also might have been miffed that he wasn't slated to start against the Giants -- if, in fact, he was cleared to play. It was to be a game-time decision. Ryan confirmed that Patterson wouldn't have started.

"He hadn't worked to that extent, but that doesn't mean we wouldn't have put him in there with the ones at some point," Ryan said.

Asked whether Patterson expressed unhappiness with his role, Ryan said, "I'm not going to speculate on anything."

The Jets signed Patterson to a one-year, $3 million contract in free agency, projecting him as a starter opposite Dee Milliner. It was a controversial signing because of Patterson's injury history (33 missed games since 2011) and because they failed to sign any of the big-name corners in free agency.

Patterson was hurt early in training camp, suffering calf, ankle and quadriceps injuries. He played poorly in the first preseason game and spent the next two weeks on the sideline, rehabbing. The Jets were hoping he'd return against the Giants.

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23 | P a g e

Patterson might have to ease tensions in the locker before he's welcomed back.

"I think there's a level of accountability," guard Willie Colon said. "I think if he's able to stand up in front of the team and say, 'Hey, this is how I felt, such-and-such happened,' whether it's right, wrong or indifferent, for him to say something would be welcomed. We'll have to proceed from there."

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NJ.COM

Jets tried to trade WR Stephen Hill this summer, according to report (Dom Cosentino) NJ.com August 26, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/08/jets_tried_to_trade_wr_stephen_hill_this_summer_according_to_report.html

Are Stephen Hill's days with the Jets numbered? That's one of the biggest questions the team faces heading into Thursday night's preseason finale at the Eagles in advance of Saturday's final deadline for roster cuts.

And according to a report from Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Jets tried to trade Hill this summer but were unable to do so.

"No takers," Schefter reported.

Hill, a wideout who has underwhelmed since being taken in the second round of the draft in 2012, has shown occasional flashes this summer, but he continues to struggle with route running, drops, and just plain catching the ball with his hands instead of his body. These are not new concerns about him.

Preseason stats aren't great indicators of much, but the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Hill has played 94 snaps in the first three preseason games, per Pro Football Focus. He's only been targeted six times and has just two catches.

PFF also credits Hill with one drop—which came against the Bengals—but it's debatable as to whether he had another one last week against the Giants.

The Jets currently have nine receivers on their 75-man roster, which must be reduced to 53 by 6 p.m. Saturday. They only kept five receivers on the roster for most of last season. Eric Decker, Jeremy Kerley, David Nelson, and Jalen Saunders look like locks to make it. Saunders, a rookie, has value as a punt and/or kick returner. After that, Hill is competing with Greg Salas, rookie Quincy Enunwa, Saalim Hakim, and Clyde Gates. Salas, though a possession receiver, has had an excellent summer. And Hakim has been used as a kickoff returner. Hill does not play on special teams, which would seem to hurt his cause.

Hill had missed practice Sunday and Monday with an illness. He is back at practice on Tuesday.

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Jets now say Dimitri Patterson suspended until Monday (Dom Cosentino) NJ.com August 26, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/08/jets_say_dimitri_patterson_now_suspended_until_monday.html

Daily Clips Cont.

24 | P a g e

FLORHAM PARK -- On Monday, when he announced he was disciplining cornerback Dimitri Patterson for blowing off work over the weekend, Jets general manager John Idzik left Patterson's suspension open-ended, saying it was "indefinite."

Patterson did not practice with the team either Monday or Tuesday. By Tuesday evening, Idzik decided to declare publicly that the suspension had a time limit. In a statement, the Jets said Patterson will be suspended for the "remainder of preseason" and that he's eligible to return Monday, which is the start of the first full week of preparation for the Sept. 7 regular-season opener against the Raiders.

The Jets brief statement about Patterson's suspension also said additional terms of discipline "will not be disclosed." It's safe to assume Patterson is being fined in addition to getting to sit out a week most of the starters won't play anyway.

The Jets play the Eagles in Philadelphia on Thursday. Final roster cuts must be made by Saturday. It says here the Jets would be better off just cutting Patterson.

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Why the Jets must cut Dimitri Patterson (Dom Cosentino) NJ.com August 26, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/08/why_the_jets_must_cut_dimitri_patterson.html

FLORHAM PARK -- As this began being typed, no fewer than three headlines on the front page of the Jets' website—the house organ for the team's pollyanna propaganda—were about general manager John Idzik's decision to suspend cornerback Dimitri Patterson indefinitely for his (alleged!) insubordination. One of those headlines even links to a video of players reacting to Patterson's suspension. And the most pointed reaction was basically a shrug.

On Tuesday, head coach Rex Ryan sidestepped a question about whether the Jets plan to release Patterson. But with hundreds of roster cuts across the league happening this week, the team's best move would be to keep Patterson in the purgatory of his suspension until it can sign a suitable replacement. And even if it can't? The Jets should still cut their losses and dump him.

For those who've busy watching ice bucket challenge fail videos elsewhere on the internet, Patterson went AWOL over the weekend, then blamed the media for saying he had been AWOL. A journeyman cornerback, Patterson never showed for Friday's game against the Giants, then again for Sunday's practice. Which can happen. But the Jets say he never informed them of his absence, which is kind of a big deal. Patterson eventually surfaced later Sunday, but only after Idzik told the media Patterson was missing, a deliberate act of candor from the GM that served its purpose by shaming Patterson into coming out of hiding. It's difficult to envision the Jets going back to square one with a player who blew off work and never bothered to call his bosses until his bosses took the unusual step of slapping his face onto the side of a milk carton.

Look, if Patterson had some legitimate, unselfish reason for taking the weekend off without telling his bosses, he and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, would be shouting it from the top of the Empire State Building. That neither of them has—except for Patterson's look over there! interview on Monday with USA TODAY Sports—is pretty revealing.

Same with the reaction of the other Jets' players. If this were just about Patterson taking time off to do what he needed to do, his teammates would be talking in no uncertain terms about welcoming him back. Instead, they're saying mealy mouthed things like what quarterback Geno Smith said Tuesday: "I really don't know what to say about that. I just hope he's fine, hope he's OK, as a teammate, as a friend. I want

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25 | P a g e

to support him. Obviously, [the] coaches are going to make their decisions on what they think is best for the team. We stand behind that."

And get a load of what Ryan had to say about LeQuan Lewis, another journeyman corner added a few weeks ago after having played for nine different teams—most recently one in the CFL—in just four seasons. Lewis even logged a team-high 47 defensive snaps and 10 special teams snaps Friday night, though Ryan previously admitted he had wanted to get a long look at Lewis against the Giants.

"I think he's held his own," Ryan said. "It wasn't perfect, by any stretch, but, hey, he was out there. Whether it was with the 1s, 2s, or 3s, he certainly wasn't complaining."

Now consider a report in the New York Daily News that said Patterson played hooky all weekend because he was unhappy he had been demoted on the depth chart after not practicing for two weeks because of a variety of leg injuries. It's not hard to see what Ryan was really getting at when he said Lewis "wasn't complaining."

Yes, there's great uncertainty with the Jets' cornerbacks due to injury. But the Jets ought to be back to full strength once Antonio Allen (concussion) and Dee Milliner (high ankle sprain) return in the next few weeks. Other than rookie Dexter McDougle, not one of their corners is lost for the season, or anything close to it. Besides, would throwing Patterson back into that mix really raise anyone's expectations much? Yeah, no.

Yes, Patterson is the Jets' big free-agent replacement for Antonio Cromartie. But he played for six other teams in nine prior seasons. He really only counts as a big free-agent replacement if your definition of big-free agent replacement can't be extended much beyond "dude who's been in the league a while and still walks upright." No one mistook Patterson for Darrelle Revis. And then Patterson spent the summer pretty much living down to that reputation. He's replaceable, even if the Jets now have to comb through the rest of the league's scrap heap a week before the season starts to find what they're looking for.

It's not about money, either. Per overthecap.com, the $1 million signing bonus Patterson already received is the only guaranteed portion of his contract. That $1 million would also be the entirety of the dead money charge the Jets would have to eat by cutting Patterson before Saturday's final roster deadline. They have more than enough cap space to do what has to be done by letting Patterson go.

Just don't take my word for it, either. Check out what right guard Willie Colon told The Star-Ledger's Darryl Slater on Monday.

"I think right now, we understand that we have a good thing with us," Colon said, "and if somebody is not willing to be on the train with us, then maybe they just need to be left behind and we move on.”

Sounds like a plan.

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Sporting News picks Jets to finish second in AFC East (Dom Cosentino) NJ.com August 26, 2014

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2014/08/sporting_news_picks_jets_to_finish_second_in_afc_east.html

With a little more than a week to go until the start of the NFL regular season—and a little less than two weeks until the Jets kick things off at home against the Raiders on Sept. 7—it's time for season predictions to start rolling on.

Daily Clips Cont.

26 | P a g e

And, right on cue, here's Sporting News with their picks for how every team will finish, along with the website's projections for the playoffs, the Super Bowl, and preseason power rankings.

Sporting News has the Jets placing second in the AFC East, finishing 8-8, and missing the playoffs. Their take:

The Jets worked to get more offensive pop with Michael Vick, Chris Johnson and Eric Decker, but they’re still resting on Rex Ryan’s defense and power running game for their best punch. They just don’t have enough firepower to catch the Pats (again).

This is pretty much the conventional wisdom on the Jets entering the 2014 season. As for the rest of the AFC East, Sporting News has the Patriots at 12-4, the Dolphins at 7-9, and the Bills at 5-11. They have the Pats going into the playoffs as a No. 3 seed and losing to the No. 2 Colts in the division round.

You'll have to read for yourself to find out who Sporting News picks to win Super Bowl XLIX, but we can tell you they have the Jets at No. 15 in their preseason power rankings.

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METRO NEW YORK

Dimitri Patterson suspended only for rest of preseason by Jets (Kristian Dyer) Metro New York August 27, 2014

http://www.metro.us/newyork/sports/nfl/2014/08/26/dimitri-patterson-suspended-rest-preseason-jets/

Dimitri Patterson ended up getting just a slap on the wrist.

The Jets cornerback was suspended for the rest of preseason for his unexcused absence last week.

Patterson, a free agent signing this past offseason who was supposed to battle to be the starting cornerback opposite Dee Milliner, suddenly went missing last Friday before the Jets’ third preseason game against the Giants. He did not have contact directly with the team until Sunday night when he met with general manager John Idzik and head coach Rex Ryan.

“Additional terms of discipline will not be disclosed,” a release from the team said. “He is eligible to return 9/1.”

In other words, Patterson comes back six days before the season opener against the Raiders.

Injuries have decimated the Jets secondary. Milliner suffered a high ankle sprain which has him relegated to the sides indefinitely, while rookie cornerback Dexter McDougle is out for the season after tearing his ACL. Antonio Allen, who moved from safety to cornerback, suffered a concussion on Friday and may not be ready by the season opener.

So perhaps it should be no surprise that Patterson’s suspension ends in time to begin readying himself for a season opener where the cornerback depth will be thin.

Idzik would not comment on the details of Patterson’s absence when he addressed the media.

TUESDAY’S SPORTS TRANSACTIONS

http://www.chron.com/sports/article/Tuesday-s-Sports-Transactions-5714627.php

BASEBALL

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27 | P a g e

American League

CHICAGO WHITE SOX — Reinstated OF Adam Eaton from the 15-day DL. Optioned OF Jordan Danks to Charlotte (IL).

LOS ANGELES ANGELS — Designated LHP Wade LeBlanc for assignment. Selected the contract of RHP Yoslan Herrera from Salt Lake (PCL).

SEATTLE MARINERS — Signed general manager Jack Zduriencik with a multiyear contract extension.

TEXAS RANGERS — Extended its player development agreement with Spokane (NWL) through the 2016 season.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS — Recalled OF Kevin Pillar from Buffalo (IL). Designated OF Nolan Reimold for assignment.

National League

CHICAGO CUBS — Reinstated INF Starlin Castro from the bereavement list. Optioned INF Logan Watkins to Iowa (PCL).

Midwest League

QUAD CITIES RIVER BANDITS — Announced they signed a two-year extension of their player development contract with the Houston Astros through the 2016 season.

American Association

AMARILLO SOX — Released OF Cory Patton.

Atlantic League

LONG ISLAND DUCKS — Activated C Brandon Bantz. Released C A.J. Puma.

Frontier League

WINDY CITY THUNDERBOLTS — Signed OF Deaun Williams.

BASKETBALL

National Basketball Association

ATLANTA HAWKS — Re-signed F Mike Scott.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS — Acquired F Jared Dudley and a conditional 2017 first-round draft pick from the Los Angeles Clippers for F Carlos Delfino, C Miroslav Raduljica and a 2015 second-round draft pick. Signed F Damien Inglis to a multi-year contract.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER — Acquired a trade exception and a 2015 protected second round draft pick from Philadelphia for C Hasheem Thabeet and cash considerations.

FOOTBALL

National Football League

BUFFALO BILLS — Signed QB Jordan Palmer. Released QB Thad Lewis. Placed LB Kiko Alonso on the reserve/non-football injury list. Claimed P Jordan Gay off waivers from Carolina.

CHICAGO BEARS — Waived G James Brown and CB Isaiah Frey.

CINCINNATI BENGALS — Waived LB J.K. Schaffer, CB Lavelle Westbrooks, TE Kevin Brock, WR Jasper Collins, LB James Davidson and QB Matt Scott.

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CLEVELAND BROWNS — Placed OL Michael Bowie and LB Darius Eubanks on injured reserve. Placed OL Nick McDonald on the reserve/non-football injury list.

DETROIT LIONS — Claimed TE Michael Egnew off waivers from Miami and FB Emil Igwenagu off waivers from Philadelphia. Released TE Jacob Maxwell and G Bryce Quigley.

GREEN BAY PACKERS — Placed WR Jared Abbrederis, T-G Don Barclay, RB Rajion Neal, DT B.J. Raji, LB Joe Thomas and G Andrew Tiller on injured reserve.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Placed RB Vick Ballard, RB Deji Karim and OL Ulrick John on injured reserve. Placed FB Stanley Havili on the PUP list.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS — Waived OT Ryan McKee, CB Kevin Rutland and CB Damond Smith.

MIAMI DOLPHINS — Terminated the contract of QB Brady Quinn. Waived WR Armon Binns, TE Brett Brackett, CB Steven Clarke, DE Rakim Cox, DT Cory Grissom, C Tyler Larsen and WR Ryan Spadola. Placed RB Mike Gillislee, TE Arthur Lynch and DT A.J. Francis on injured reserve.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Released TE Mike Higgins.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Released DL Ben Bass, DB Travis Hawkins, WR Derrick Johnson, LB Deontae Skinner, DB Jemea Thomas and WR Wilson Van Hooser. Placed RB Tyler Gaffney and LB Cameron Gordon on injured reserve.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — Waived LB Victor Butler, QB Logan Kilgore, DB Rod Sweeting, LB Kevin Reddick, LB Rufus Johnson, OL Manase Foketi, DE George Uko and TE Travis Beckum.

NEW YORK GIANTS — Placed S Cooper Taylor and WR Marcus Harris on injured reserve. Waived/injured LB Justin Anderson and DE Emmanuel Dieke. Waived CB Charles James, CB Ross Weaver, S C.J. Barnett, S Kyle Sebetic, LB Spencer Adkins, WR Travis Harvey, TE Xavier Grimble, TE Jerome Cunningham, G John Sullen, DT Everett Dawkins and K Brandon McManus.

OAKLAND RAIDERS — Placed TE Nick Kasa on injured reserve. Placed CB DJ Hayden on the PUP list. Released QB Trent Edwards. Waived WR Juron Criner, G Lucas Nix and K Kevin Goessling. Waived/injured S Larry Asante, WR Greg Jenkins and RB Kory Sheets. Claimed K Giorgio Tavecchio off waivers from Detroit.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS — Waived LB Vic So'oto, OL Chris Elkins, OL Emmanuel McCray, DL Hebron Fangupo, DL Brian Arnfelt, CB Devin Smith, CB Lewis Toler, WR C.J. Goodwin, WR Kashif Moore, RB Jordan Hall, RB Miguel Maysonet, RB Tauren Poole, TE Eric Waters, S Jordan Dangerfield and LS Luke Ingram.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS — Waived/injured DT Michael Brooks, WR David Gilreath and LB Horace Miller. Placed LB Heath Farwell, CB A.J. Jefferson and G C.J. Davison on injured reserve. Placed CB Eric Pinkins on the reserve/non-football injury list.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS — Acquired G Logan Mankins from New England for TE Tim Wright and a 2015 fourth-round draft pick.

TENNESSEE TITANS — Signed QB Dominique Davis.

Canadian Football League

TORONTO ARGONAUTS — Released RB Jeremiah Johnson. Waived LB David Hinds and WR Isaiah Williams. Waived/injured OL Gabe Ikard. Placed LB Colin McCarthy on injured reserve.

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS — Announced due to corporate restructuring, vice-president and chief operating officer Jim Bell will no longer serve the club.

COLLEGE

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29 | P a g e

NCAA — Announced the retirement of chief operating officer Jim Isch.

BOWLING GREEN — Named Jimmy Spratt director of hockey operations.

CALDWELL — Named Dennis Gregory assistant director of athletics for operations.

CHATTANOOGA — Named Scott Altizer senior associate athletics director for internal operations.

CHOWAN — Named Emily Karpinski women's assistant soccer and assistant lacrosse coach.

ETSU — Named Bill McCammon men's assistant basketball coach.

HOLY CROSS — Named Bill Ball director of athletic ticket sales and procedures for the department of athletics.

NEBRASKA — Named Mike Kirby assistant baseball coach.

NEW JERSEY CITY — Named Melissa Loo women's assistant volleyball coach.

RPI — Named Caitlin Crowley women's tennis coach.

TEXAS-PAN AMERICAN — Named Mike McCarthy volunteer assistant baseball coach.

YESHIVA — Named Jacqui Dauphinais men's volleyball coach.

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