The Jets may have one of their top defensive players back for Sunday’s game against the Jaguars.
Safety Marcus Maye practiced on Wednesday, his first practice in about a month. Maye has been sidelined with a foot injury and missed the first three games.
Maye did not practice fully Wednesday, but he sounded encouraged by what he was able to do.
“I feel pretty good,” the second-year safety said. “I got out there today for the first time and ran around for a little bit and felt pretty good.”
It is unclear exactly what Maye’s injury is and when it occurred. Coach Todd Bowles has a strict policy about players telling the media about their injuries. Maye last played in a preseason game against the Giants on Aug. 24. After that game, he was sidelined by the injury.
“[It’s been] pretty frustrating just sitting on the sideline watching,” Maye said. “Nobody likes that. Just trying to get out there with the guys and knowing you can help out. When you can’t, it’s definitely frustrating. If I get a chance to get out there this week, it will definitely be a positive thing.”
Doug Middleton has filled in for Maye and has done OK, but he had a few breakdowns against the Browns. Middleton appeared on the injury report himself Wednesday with knee and finger issues that kept him out of practice.
Fellow safety Jamal Adams has been in Maye’s ear about when he will return.
“We talk about it all the time,” Maye said. “He’s been doing a great job. Jamal’s been making a ton of plays. The guys have been doing a great job communicating and doing the best they can. Once I get back out there, I’m just looking to jump in and just catch on. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”
Adams is eager to get his partner back.
“Oh man, that’s my boy back there,” Adams said, “[We’re a] one-two punch and we understand each other when we’re in the back end. We feed off each other as far as energy, confidence. Just to have him back out there, when that time comes, it’s definitely going to be a fun time for me.”
Maye, who had ankle surgery unrelated to this injury in the offseason, said he does not want to return too soon.
“I’m just going with what my body tells me to do,” Maye said. “I don’t want to go out there and have any setbacks, so I’m just listening to what my body says.”