Mike Devito's Banged Up

Backup defensive end Mike Devitois nursing an injury.

For the second day in a row, defensive end Mike DeVito (right hamstring) was the only player not dressed for practice. He spent the first 40 minutes or so riding a stationary bike, and was still pedaling away when the Jets closed the rest of their practice to the media. Although DeVito came out of last weekend's Giants game clutching his leg in the second quarter, he told reporters after Monday's practice that he was just nursing a few "nicks and bruises" and wouldn't play in Thursday's final preseason game as a precautionary measure.

He insisted he'll be ready to go for the season opener, and Rex Ryan had a similar take, saying DeVito would likely play this week if it were a regular-season game. No need to rush things, especially when DeVito's health could be one of the biggest factors when the Jets take on the Texans in Week 1. He, of course, backs up Shaun Ellis, who will be serving a one-game league suspension following his arrest for marijuana possession last fall.

The line was already thin enough. I know losing Devito for Week 1 would hurt, especially with Ellis out, but let's not overstate it. He's a nice rotational player with a lot of value as a pass rusher. Thus far he's been inconsistent against the run, which kind of limits his value on first and second downs. Maybe he's improved over the offseason, but I would bet Sione Pouha is going to get a lot of time at end against Houston on running downs regardless of Devito's status.