FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets center Nick Mangold, one of the NFL's most durable players, is battling a significant right-ankle sprain and is expected to sit out Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
Mangold, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, has missed only four games in 11 seasons.
"He's not running yet, he's walking," coach Todd Bowles said on Thursday. "As the days go by and he's not running yet, it doesn't look good. We'll hold out another day or two."
In a brief appearance in the locker room, Mangold, 32, was seen walking with a pronounced limp. He has been staying off his feet as much as possible, so much so that he hasn't even participated in the stretching period at practice.
The Jets are preparing Wes Johnson to make his second career start on Sunday.
"We've got a lot of confidence in Wes, but at the same time, some of the other players have to take ownership and leadership in this thing as well, so we can get everything communicated correctly," offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said.
The Jets (2-5) rely on Mangold on make their line calls and direct traffic. They're 1-3 when he's out of the lineup.
Mangold was injured in the first quarter last Sunday. He went down awkwardly when left tackle Ryan Clady rolled up the back of his leg. Mangold was taken immediately to the locker room and never returned to the game.
In other injury news, Bowles ruled out linebackers Darron Lee (ankle) and Bruce Carter (quadriceps) and right tackle Brent Qvale (neck). Lee, their first-round pick, will miss his second game in a row.
Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, dealing with residual soreness from offseason surgery to repair a fractured fibula, could miss his second straight game. Wilkerson, who returned to practice on a limited basis, said a tendon near the ankle is bothering him.