New York Jets optimistic Dee Milliner will play vs Green Bay Packers
By Wes Goldberg
With a depleted secondary, the New York Jets got off easy in Week 1, facing the Oakland Raiders and rookie quarterback Derek Carr. The Jets face a much tougher matchup against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, but head coach Rex Ryan may have his former first-round pick back to help out.
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According to ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini, cornerback Dee Milliner is likely to play Sunday.
"Injured Dee Milliner practiced Wednesday for the first time in four weeks, participating “quite a bit” in team drills, according to Ryan. Barring a setback, Milliner, who suffered a high-ankle sprain Aug 10 in training camp, is expected to make his 2014 debut.Milliner said he’s “very optimistic” about his chances of playing Sunday."
Milliner isn’t expected to play every snap as he eases back, but he will help on the ones he does. He’ll likely start with Darrin Walls or Antonio Allen on the other side. Kyle Wilson figures to be the nickel.
The Jets signed corner Dimitri Patterson in the offseason, but released him after he got hurt. The team also drafted rookie Dexter McDougle, who suffered a season-ending knee injury. Ryan switched Allen to safety, and he has reportedly excelled.
Against the Raiders, the depleted secondary didn’t present an issue. Oakland wanted to run and take pressure off their rookie quarterback, but New York’s defensive line is among the best in the NFL. That line will have to get pressure on Aaron Rodgers, which could very well happen. Green Bay’s line struggled against the Seattle Seahawks and Rodgers never seemed to get comfortable in the pocket. The Jets secondary will be hoping its line gets similar results.