HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) -New York Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma missed practice Wednesday with a knee injury and underwent tests to determine how long it might keep him sidelined.
Coach Eric Mangini said Vilma was injured during the Jets’ 38-31 loss at Cincinnati on Sunday, but didn’t specify when it occurred or to which knee.
“We’re going to get some more tests done here today,” Mangini said. “I’ll update you on his status or you’ll be updated on his status through the injury report.”
Vilma wasn’t available during the 45-minute window the media are allowed in the locker room Monday or Wednesday. A message seeking comment from Tony Fleming, one of Vilma’s representatives, was not immediately returned.
any injury.
“I don’t know what time his radio show was,” Mangini said Wednesday. “I talked to him (Tuesday) later in the afternoon, explained the thought process there. Sometimes you’re going to see it differently as a player and as a coach. We’ll just have to see how these tests go.”
Mangini didn’t dispute Vilma’s claim that it was a coaching decision based on how he was playing.
“I think the injury had an impact on his performance,” Mangini said.
Vilma has missed few snaps during his three-plus seasons and is known for playing through pain the way Laveranues Coles and Chad Pennington are, so it’s noticeable whenever he’s not on the field.
“Jon has a lot of Laveranues in him and you love that about him, you really do,” Mangini said. “You respect that about him. Like Curtis Martin, it doesn’t matter what my status is in terms of physically, I am going to play. That’s toughness. I appreciate that. Sometimes you have to look at it and say, ‘Is it counterproductive?”’
After establishing himself as one of the best playmaking linebackers in the league during his first two seasons, Vilma has struggled to be as effective in Mangini’s 3-4 defensive scheme. He’s a disappointing fifth on the team with 39 tackles, including 26 solo.
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