New York Jets coach Rex Ryan said Tomlinson, who was held out of practice again Friday, is in between doubtful and questionable for the Jets' divisional bout with the Buffalo Bills.
Tomlinson injured his knee in the Jets' loss to the Patriots two weeks ago, and he missed last Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos.
Ryan recognizes the importance of having Tomlinson at his disposal, but he's keeping perspective past Sunday.
"We absolutely have to win, but we have to win the rest of them, too," Ryan told the media Friday. "That’s where I’m at right now. If I was a betting man right now, if we had to play (Saturday), I don’t think he’d play. That’s just how I feel about it."
Tomlinson brings leadership to the lockerroom and is the Jets' best blocker in the backfield. He's also continued to be a proven threat on third down in running routes. With Tomlinson's absence, Joe McKnight will again see more touches than he's used to, but Shonn Greene will obviously get the bulk of the load.
"(Tomlinson is) a great player, does a great job in pass protection, as well as being able to run the ball and as a receiver," Ryan said. "I thought Shonn could step in and Joe McKnight, so we feel OK with our guys anyway."
Tweet
Follow Nick @NickStDenis
