HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) -Jets wide receiver Laveranues Coles missed his second straight day of practice Thursday because of a concussion, and it was uncertain if he’d be able to play in New York’s game against Washington.
“I’m going to let them make the decision this time,” Coles said. “I tell myself now that I’m not going to fight it, but whatever decision they make is pretty much what I’m going to go with. I haven’t had a decision handed down to me yet.”
Coles was injured last Sunday with 7:41 left in the Jets’ 13-3 loss to Buffalo when he jumped to catch a pass from Chad Pennington and was immediately hit in the middle of the back by Terrence McGee. Coles’ chest and head slammed to the turf and he stayed face-down for several minutes. He was eventually able to walk off the field, but didn’t return.
The 29-year-old receiver has 42 catches for 473 yards and a team-leading six touchdowns. He hasn’t missed a game since his rookie season in 2000, and has a streak of 104 consecutive regular-season games played.
Coles has built a reputation throughout his eight-year career for taking hard hits and playing through injuries. This is believed to be the second concussion the star receiver has suffered in 10 months after getting hit hard by Miami’s Zach Thomas during a game last Christmas. The Jets never verified that it was a concussion and Coles was back in the starting lineup the following weekend against Oakland.
Safety Erik Coleman was held out of game earlier this season with a concussion.
“We look at each situation, each person uniquely,” coach Eric Mangini said. “We go through a very detailed process of evaluating these things and player safety is extremely important to us. So, we’re always going to do that, regardless of the injury or regardless of the person.”
Coles acknowledged that if it were up to him, he’d be practicing, instead of watching in sweats as he has the past few days, and would certainly play in the game Sunday. He also knows he needs to listen to others when it comes to dealing with concussions. One of his best friends, former wide receiver Wayne Chrebet, had his career ended after suffering numerous concussions.
“I guess the people that are close to me, who I love the most, are pretty much letting me know their opinion and what they think,” Coles said. “I think they would make a better judgment call than I would in a situation like this because knowing me, I’ve always got my foot on the gas. Right now, it’s time for me to let go and let somebody else make the decision and hopefully things work out for the best.”
If Coles can’t go Sunday, Brad Smith or Justin McCareins would get the start with Jerricho Cotchery.
“I go by what the doctors say and what the medical staff says,” Mangini said. “That’s their expertise. Once he’s been cleared to play, then I make the decision moving forward with that information.”
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