Joe

McKnight

We assume Kerley will see the majority of returns, though Westhoff expects at least 35-40 percent touchbacks until the weather turns colder. Westhoff is hesitant to use Jim Leonhard on punt returns, so Kerley and possibly McKnight will handle those duties as well.

Asked if Cromartie could see time on returns, coach Rex Ryan replied, “There is no chance -- unless we really need him.”

He was split out wide and that caught our eye, but until he gets more run in the ground game he’s only worth watching. His 24-yard reception was more a function of the Dolphins’ non-existent pass rush than anything McKnight did to get open.

The injury shouldn’t affect McKnight’s Week 7 status; he’s just two days removed from a game after the Jets’ Monday night demolition of the Dolphins. McKnight has nine touches on offense through six games, gaining 44 total yards.

The extra bulk was an offseason goal for McKnight, ostensibly to challenge Shonn Greene for backfield snaps after the Jets failed to add an impact tailback in free agency or the draft. It should be noted, however, that backs don’t always improve with added weight. Felix Jones, a recent example, noticeably lost explosiveness.

Mara is a member of the league’s Competition Committee. “There’s no consensus on it right now, but I could see the day in the future where that play could be taken out of the game,” Mara said. “You see it evolving toward that.” Mara made the comments in a conversation touting the success of the league’s decision to move kickoffs to the 35-yard line. The idea may seem far-fetched, but the fact that it’s already been discussed by the league’s top committee should be a sign this won’t be the last we hear of it.

Coach Rex Ryan is in a “wait and see” mode on McKnight this week. If he’s unable to play, CB Antonio Cromartie will handle kickoff returns against the Patriots.

His Week 10 status is uncertain. The second-year running back had a season-high nine carries last Sunday, but most were in garbage time against Buffalo.

McKnight should be in for a very limited role barring injury to Shonn Greene or LaDainian Tomlinson, and is not a flex option in deeper PPR leagues for the fantasy finals. Inactive for the Jets are CB Marquice Cole, QB Kevin O’Connell, WR Eron Riley, S Gerald Alexander, OT Austin Howard, DE Ropati Pitoitua and DT Kenrick Ellis

McKnight is expected to be a game-time decision versus the Giants this week. He remains the third running back behind Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson.