Just a heads up http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-jets-baker&prov=ap&type=lgns HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) -- Jets tight end Chris Baker won't play in New York's game at Cincinnati after he was downgraded Saturday from questionable to out with a back injury. Baker, who has 12 catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns, was limited in practice all week and didn't accompany the team to Cincinnati. It was unclear when Baker was hurt, and it's against the Jets' policy to discuss injuries. He caught some flak from coach Eric Mangini after New York's 16-9 loss to Philadelphia last Sunday, when he openly questioned the play-calling in the closing minutes as the Jets failed to score from the Eagles 4. Baker, in his sixth season with the Jets, has been one of quarterback Chad Pennington's most reliable targets. The former third-round pick out of Michigan State had a breakout season last year, catching a career-high 31 passes for 300 yards and four touchdowns. The Jets have plenty of depth at the tight end position, with Sean Ryan, Joe Kowalewski, Jason Pociask and James Dearth, normally the long snapper, on the roster.
Now let the conspiracy theories start about Baker's criticism of the offense earning him a spot on the bench for a week. Just on the record, I think that's wrong, but somebody's going to say it.
It's OK, we have Rysiakewski, 3 marginal tight ends which will now join forces to become one big marginal tight end... We're fine! Geez...
He did hurt himself on that fateful series of downs late in the game and I believe he came out for a play or two during that series. But he's okay in my book for speaking up.
I actually hope they start Jason Pociask now. I really liked what I saw from him before he got hurt last year, and this year during TC and preseason. Maybe he has a shot to see the field. Ryan blows though, hope he doesn't get the nod.
Well, someone had to do it. That and a handful of pennies won't get you on the subway in the real world. It isn't like Chris Baker is Norma Rae. Or Karen Silkwood, for that matter.
maybe mangini picked up a few hints from working on the set of the sopranos and saw to it that baker WOULD have a back injury this week after wat he had said
I agree... Diddn't even make the trip? Over a minor back injury? Please.... This is going to hurt the team.... Baker's blocking is a BIG reason why the OL has been improving the last few weeks...
Him sitting on the bench is not over talk. Coles has opened his mouth too, and Mangini has embraced him afterwards.
I know, who do you think will replace him? We need someone that can not get thrown to as well as him if we're gonna have any chance today. ...and RWBG, Coles is Coles...not that I'm sure Baker is sitting because of his indiscretion, but as a veteran leader, LC gets some leeway that others don't.
