FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- All-Pro center Nick Mangold will not travel with the New York Jets for their game at Oakland on Sunday because of a high ankle sprain, and rookie Colin Baxter will start in his place.
Coach Rex Ryan says Friday that Mangold is "just not ready," but acknowledged he's doing "really well" and wouldn't rule him out to play next week at Baltimore. Ryan says the nature of the injury, the cross-country flight and facing a difficult Raiders defensive line all contributed to the decision to leave Mangold home.
Mangold was on the field during practice, wearing a boot on his right foot. He is walking without a limp but isn't ready physically for an NFL game.
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What does this mean for the pass rush and Oakland's ability to put pressure on Mark Sanchez? A rookie anchoring the line must have defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan and sack specialist Richard Seymour licking their chops.