Jets seek third rounder for Vilma

The New York Jets are seeking a third round pick for the rights to LB Jonathan Vilma, according to nj.com. The organization declined to comment on a report in the Boston Globe that they gave the linebacker permission to work a trade with any team except the New England Patriots. The two most likely destinations for Vilma: Jacksonville and New Orleans, both of which have needs at the position, along with the cap dollars to bring him aboard.

Coles to IR?

Laveranues Coles, whose high-ankle sprain allowed him to play just one snap in Week 15, could be headed to injured reserve. According to Newsday, the Jets might consider such a move after Coles re-injured the ankle in a freak accident at the team's hotel last Saturday. Coles has been fighting this and other injuries throughout the second half of the season. High-ankle sprains tend to take several weeks to completely recover from, so it wouldn't be too surprising if the Jets opt to shut down their No. 1 receiver for the season. Stay tuned.

Baker ruled out with back injury

Chris Baker will miss Sunday's game due to a back injury. Baker's agent, Cliff Brady, wasn't sure how long Baker would miss any additional games. "I'm not a doctor," Brady said in the AP. "So, I'd rather not speculate." Hopefully you weren't having to use Baker on your fantasy squad, but if you do own him, obviously you need to sit him this week.

Coleman "hopeful" he can play Sunday

It appears that the Jets may get Erik Coleman back in action tomorrow. Coleman said Friday he was "hopeful" that he'd be able to suit up for the contest, according to the New York Daily News. He's listed as questionable due to the concussion that kept him sidelined last week, but he may end up a game-time call.

Pennington to do less

Chad Pennington will try a unique strategy in dealing with his current slump. Instead of pressing to improve his poor performance, he will instead let the game come to him. "You hear the saying, 'More is better,'" Pennington told Newsday. "Well, sometimes less is better." As eloquently put by Newsday, "Jets fans are starting to think a whole lot less of Pennington would be better." After two miserable performances in a row from the limp-armed Pennington, speculation is mounting that sophomore Kellen Clemens might help rejuvenate the offense. Pennington will get at least one more start this week against the Eagles, but it appears clear his leash is getting shorter and shorter.

Jones getting full work in

Thomas Jones has taken full reps the last two days, suggesting that his calf injury is no longer an issue. He should be in for a productive day Sunday against a suspect Buffalo run defense.

Cotchery limited

Jets receiver Jerricho Cotchery was listed as limited in practice on Wednesday's injury report because of his lingering shoulder problem. Cotchery played through the ailment last week and there is no reason to expect things to be different this Sunday.

Smith the new No. 3

Brad Smith has moved ahead of Justin McCareins as the No. 3 receiver on the Jets depth chart, according to the Newark Star-Ledger. Smith made three receptions for 24 yards and had a couple of runs in Week 3 against the Dolphins, a week after McCareins dropped two potential game-tying touchdown passes against the Ravens. The Jets don't throw enough to provide fantasy owners with another reliable option beyond Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery, however.

Washington to return kicks

After the season-ending injury to Pro Bowl return man Justin Miller last week, Leon Washington will take over as the returner on punts and kickoffs. "I look forwarad to doing whatever it is I need to do to help this team win," Washington told the Jets official website. Washington got no touches on offense in Week 2, so returning kicks would be a good way of getting the ball in his hands. That doesn't help fantasy owners much, but it also seems logical that Leon will play a bigger part in the offensive game plan going forward.

Pennington takes first team reps

Chad Pennington took the majority of the snaps with the first team during practice on Wednesday and all signs continue to point towards him getting the nod as the starter in Week 3. "We're ahead of where we were last week, obviously," head coach Eric Mangini told Newsday. "We'll make sure that we're getting him enough reps so that he can be prepared, but not going so far, especially early in the week, that he has to scale back on Thursday or Friday. So we'll monitor that. We'll see how that goes." Barring a significant setback to his sprained ankle later this week, expect Pennington to get the nod on Sunday against the Dolphins.

Jones goes all out

Jets running back Thomas Jones was able to participate fully in practice Wednesday despite his nagging calf injury. Jones owners shouldn't worry too much about the injury because he won't miss any time because it unless there is some sort of setback.

Cotchery limited

Jets receiver Jerricho Cotchery was limited in practice Wednesday because of a shoulder injury. He had seven catches for 165 yards against the Ravens last week. The injury isn't believed to be serious, but we'll keep a close on the Cotch Rocket over the next two days to make sure all is well.

Knee knocks Miller out for season

Justin Miller was placed on injured reserve Tuesday due to a knee injury. Miller will be missed on kickoff returns, where he's one of the best in the league.

Pennington will start if able

Head coach Eric Mangini implied Monday that Chad Pennington will start in Week 3, health-permitting. "Chad always says he's ready to go, that's what you like about him," Mangini told Newsday. "But you've got to assess it and make the best decision you can based on all the information." Pennington continues to rehabilitate an injured ankle and was healthy enough to serve as the backup to Kellen Clemens in Week 2. Clemens gained more comfort as his NFL starting debut went on last week, nearly leading the Jets from behind with a brilliant fourth quarter comeback attempt. Given that Pennington almost played a week ago, however, it stands to reason he'd be ready to roll this week when the Jets face the Dolphins.

Miller maimed

Cornerback Justin Miller suffered a knee injury while returning a kick in the second quarter against the Ravens on Sunday and did not return. According to the Newark Star-Ledger, the injury appeared serious. Miller had a hamstring issue during the preseason that he tweaked in Week 1, but it's unclear if this injury has anything to do with that one. Miller made the Pro Bowl as a kick returner last year and was starting at cornerback (albeit not very effectively) this season, so this would be a significant loss if he's out long-term.

Pennington could have played

Chad Pennington served as the Jets No. 2 quarterback on Sunday and would have been ready to play if called upon. "Chad did an outstanding job all this week where he could be the No. 2 quarterback," coach Eric Mangini told the Newark Star-Ledger. "I just thought Kellen gave us the best chance to win." Clemens played extremely well in his first NFL start, putting up 260 yards and a touchdown and nearly leading the team on a last-minute drive to tie the game before throwing a late interception. It's interesting that Pennington could have played but Mangini still opted for Clemens. Pennington will likely be back in there next week, but with Clemens having proven he can step in and perform, Chad may be on a very short leash.

Jones playing

The Jets ground game will have their best runner this week. Thomas Jones, who was questionable this week with the same calf injury he played through a Sunday ago, is active and starting. He originally suffered the injury in a practice during training camp. Jones was limited in practice all week, but he will still receive most of the carries today against Baltimore. The fact he's playing the Ravens, though, limits his fantasy value.

Pennington trying to make case

Jets quarterback Chad Pennington did some drop backs in practice on Friday and is trying to convince the team's coaches to let him play, according to ESPN. As of Thursday, is appeared as if the team was leaning toward starting Kellen Clemens in Pennington's place. Fantasy owners will want to check back over the weekend to see if Chad will be on the field, but the entire Jets offense is looking like a very dicey proposition against Baltimore on Sunday.

McCareins has chemistry with Clemens

Starters Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery have worked almost exclusively with Chad Pennington so far this season, but third receiver Justin McCareins already has developed a nice rapport with Week 2 starter Kellen Clemens. McCareins caught five passes for 140 yards and a touchdown from Clemens during preseason action and could be more involved this week as a deep threat. "He's easy to throw to," Clemens told Newsday of McCareins. "You just drop back and throw it as far as you can and he gets it."Head coach Eric Mangini has admitted that he'll change his game plan a bit to suit the strengths of Clemens, which are different from those of Pennington. Namely, Clemens is a more mobile passer with a much stronger arm, so there could be a bit more emphasis on vertical passing plays, with McCareins representing the team's best receiver in that capacity. Don't expect much against the stingy Ravens, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Clemens at least attempt a couple of long balls in the direction of McCareins on Sunday.

Jones still limited

Thomas Jones was limited in practice on Wednesday, according to the official injury report listed by the team. He continues to be slightly hobbled by a calf injury suffered early in training camp. We can only assume this is precautionary, as Jones started and did not appear to aggravate his injury in Week 1, despite the fact that his lackluster stats make it appear otherwise. We expect him to play against the Ravens on Sunday, but that fact should be enough for you to look another direction this week if you have a decent backup option.