Bowles: Jets rookie WR Smith (ribs) not expected back for Week 1
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New York Jets rookie wide receiver Devin Smith has been sidelined for just about all of training camp with a broken ribs and a punctured lung. He suffered the injury on the second day of practice when he was kneed in the back by safety Jaiquawn Jarrett after going up for a catch.
His status for Week 1 was "iffy" after the injury occurred, and according to Todd Bowles, Smith isn't expected to play in the first regular season game.
Losing him is a big blow for a somewhat stagnant offense that could use some pop from a big-play guy like Smith. Chris Owusu and Jeremy Kerley will likely step in for Smith as they have since he went out with injury.
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Both guys have the ability to win from the slot, where Smith was expected to play as the No. 3 receiver. Bowles has also experimented with using Eric Decker in the slot, whose versatility can be a big lift for the offense.
(h/t Rich Cimini)