S Jim Leonhard, who had surgery on his broken thumb earlier this week, missed today's practice and will not play on Sunday against the New England Patriots. Leonhard was injured when he tried to tackle Jags running back Maurice Jones-Drew on his 33-yard first-quarter touchdown in the Jets’ 24-22 loss last Sunday. He left the game briefly but returned and finished the game, recording seven tackles and a sack. S Eric Smith is expected to start in his place. Smith played an important role in the Week 2 win over the Patriots, blitzing Tom Brady a total of 17 times.
LB Vernon Gholston also missed this practice session due to a hamstring injury. It's unknown at this time whether he will be able to play on Sunday.
WR Braylon Edwards has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge after he was accused of punching a man outside a downtown nightclub last month.