S Jim Leonhard, who broke his finger last Sunday and had surgery earlier this week, was back in practice this morning and is listed questionable for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. His availability for the game will be a game-time decision. LB Vernon Gholston (hamstring) missed all practice sessions this week and is out.
WR Jerricho Cotchery is expected to return punts in place of injured Leonhard. Cotchery hasn't returned punts since 2005 when he averaged 7.9 yards on 16 punt returns and fumbled twice (lost one).
Here's the complete injury report:
New York Jets:
Out: LB Vernon Gholston (hamstring)
Questionable: S Jim Leonhard (thumb)
Probable: DE Shaun Ellis (knee), WR Brad Smith (quadriceps), LB Bryan Thomas (toe)
New England Patriots:
Out: RB Fred Taylor (ankle)
Questionable: WR Sam Aiken (hip), LB Eric Alexander (groin), TE Chris Baker (shoulder), LB Tully Banta-Cain (abdomen), DT Ron Brace (ankle), WR Julian Edelman (forearm), DE Jarvis Green (knee), C Dan Koppen (knee), T Matt Light (knee), RB Sammy Morris (knee), G Steve Neal (head), LB Rob Ninkovich (knee), DE Ty Warren (ankle)
Probable: QB Tom Brady (right shoulder), CB Shawn Springs (knee), TE Benjamin Watson (knee)