FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets center Nick Mangold says he is still preparing as if he will play Sunday at Oakland despite having a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for practice.
Mangold, injured early last Sunday in the win over Jacksonville, was off crutches Wednesday, but his right foot was still in a boot. He says it’s still “tender” but adds that “it’s getting better.”
The All-Pro center wants to play this weekend despite some reports that say he’ll be sidelined at least two weeks. He says he’s aware that he has started every game since he was drafted in 2006, but doesn’t want to put the team “in jeopardy” by going out there if he’s not ready.
Rookie Colin Baxter, an undrafted free agent, would start if Mangold can’t go.
