Football
Associated Press 17y

Jets' Thomas Jones reiterates that his calf is ``feeling a lot better''

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Thomas Jones is ready for his first taste
of the Jets-Patriots rivalry.

Whether that comes on the playing field still appears to be a
game-time decision, but New York's star running back remained
optimistic Friday about the progress of his strained right calf.

"I'm feeling a lot better," Jones said Friday, reiterating his
comments from earlier in the week.

Jones was listed as questionable on the team's injury report
Friday, but practiced all week without a wrap on his calf. He was
injured during drills on Aug. 12 and hadn't practiced again until
this week.

"The trainers have done a great job of getting me back on the
practice field and getting me to go through some drills and things
like that," he said. "So, we'll see how I feel on Sunday."

Jones addressed the injury for the first time Wednesday, saying,
"I feel a lot better than I felt the past couple of weeks."

Coach Eric Mangini was noncommittal, as usual, regarding Jones'
availability for the game against New England.

"He's really what he's been," Mangini said.

The coach said he was encouraged by the progress made by all the
Jets' injured players. Cornerbacks Justin Miller (thigh) and Andre
Dyson (foot), safety Eric Smith (thigh) and guard Brandon Moore
(shoulder) were also listed Friday as questionable.

"They've been doing everything we've asked them to do,"
Mangini said. "The program in place is a good program. You just
have to go through the whole process before you're certain you're
going to be able to get a level of performance out of that player
and anticipate what that level is, even going into the game, making
sure that you're keeping that in mind."

If he's cleared to play, Jones could split carries with
second-year back Leon Washington. Jones has faced the Patriots only
once in his eight-year career: last season, when he had 99 yards on
23 carries at New England.

"Hey, this is what I signed up for," Jones said. "I'm just
glad to be here. Hopefully, just try my best and contribute to the
team."

Jones rushed for 1,210 yards and six touchdowns while leading
the Bears to the Super Bowl in February. He's expected to
jump-start the Jets' running game, which struggled mightily last
season while working with a rotation of running backs.

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