Despite being activated from the physically unable to perform list earlier this week, Muhammad Wilkerson won’t play in Thursday night’s preseason opener against Jacksonville.
Jets coach Todd Bowles had told reporters that it was possible his star defensive end would suit up to face the Jaguars, but he wasn’t 100 percent sure.
Wilkerson opened camp on the PUP list after breaking his right leg in the Jets’ Week 17 loss in Buffalo in January. He was officially activated before Tuesday’s practice and participated only in individual and position drills.
As expected, No. 1 running back Matt Forte also won’t play. He’ll be replaced in the starting lineup by Bilal Powell.
There is, however, one surprise on the Jets’ inactive list: Nose tackle Steve McLendon is inactive. It’s unclear if he is sitting out because to an injury.
Jarvis Jenkins will start in place of McLendon.
Other inactives are Kyle Williams, Dexter McDougle, Bernard Pierce, Khiry Robinson, Matthew Tucker, Ronald Martin, Trevor Reilly, Wes Saxton, plus Devin Smith and Breno Giacomini, who are on the PUP list.
..... - Newsday