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Colin Stephenson 8y

Jets' Brandon Marshall limited in practice with knee, foot injuries

NFL, New York Jets

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets receiver Brandon Marshall returned to practice Friday on a limited basis, and his availability for Sunday's game in Kansas City will be a game-time decision, head coach Todd Bowles said.

Marshall sat out the entire week before Friday because of injuries to his left knee and foot. He said the final decision on whether he plays would be made by Bowles, "because if it's up to me, I'll be out there at 40, 50 percent."

Marshall, the Jets' No. 1 receiver, was injured in the team's 37-31 victory over Buffalo on Sept. 15. His knee twisted awkwardly as he was brought to the ground by his facemask by Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore after a second-quarter reception.

Marshall said he injured the foot on the same play. He left the game briefly but was able to return and finished with six catches for 101 yards. He said he was able to get through the game because of adrenaline as well as the painkiller Toradol, which he had taken before the game to deal with other ailments.

"The problem with injuries is, after a few hours, in the next day or two, there's a lot of blood flow to that area, so swelling increases," he said. "Usually what you're fighting is getting the inflammation out, get the swelling out, and getting the flexibility back. So that's the deal. It's swelling and flexibility in trying to get back to close to 100 percent.

"You just gotta be smart. You gotta think about, you know, this is Week 3. Although every game's important, and we approach them that way, you never want to hurt the team or hurt yourself worse."

Nevertheless, Marshall pointed to his track record of having missed just five games over the past seven seasons because of injuries. "So I always try to get out there," he said.

Marshall, who has nine catches for 133 yards on the season, expressed confidence in the Jets' receiving corps if he doesn't play. He cited the fine start by Quincy Enunwa, who has a team-high 13 catches for 146 yards and a touchdown, along with the presence of Eric Decker, who has eight catches for a team-high 163 yards and 2 TDs. Marshall also mentioned undrafted rookie Jalin Marshall, who has three catches for 45 yards.

If he does play, Marshall said, he won't need to wear a brace but will have his knee and foot heavily taped.

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