Jets ink Miller to replace fraction of Washington
October, 27, 2009
Oct 27
4:11
PM ET
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham
New York Jets all-purpose weapon Leon Washington can do it all. He's the Sammy Davis Jr. of the gridiron.
For you youngsters out there who don't know who Sammy was, just think Justin Timberlake but with a scotch and soda cradled in the same fingers as a lit cigarette. Sammy could sing, dance, act and bring the funny.
Washington was the Jets' most diversified star performer. As Newsday columnist Bob Glauber pointed out in Tuesday's column, Washington's loss will hurt the Jets in so many ways. He ran, caught, returned punts, returned kickoffs, operated the direct-snap Seminole package and probably could do a mean rendition of "Mr. Bojangles." But not with a busted leg.
"Maybe three or four guys have to replace him because he's so versatile," Jets coach Rex Ryan said.
The Jets on Tuesday signed one of those stand-ins, welcoming back old friend Justin Miller to return kicks and add some depth at defensive back.
The Jets placed Washington on season-ending injured reserve and used the roster spot for Miller, a 2005 second-round pick and 2006 Pro Bowler they released last year after he was hobbled by a bum toe. Miller joined the Oakland Raiders, and in seven games returned two punts for touchdowns.
Miller played one game for the Raiders this year, but was let go.
New York Jets all-purpose weapon Leon Washington can do it all. He's the Sammy Davis Jr. of the gridiron.
For you youngsters out there who don't know who Sammy was, just think Justin Timberlake but with a scotch and soda cradled in the same fingers as a lit cigarette. Sammy could sing, dance, act and bring the funny.
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Washington was the Jets' most diversified star performer. As Newsday columnist Bob Glauber pointed out in Tuesday's column, Washington's loss will hurt the Jets in so many ways. He ran, caught, returned punts, returned kickoffs, operated the direct-snap Seminole package and probably could do a mean rendition of "Mr. Bojangles." But not with a busted leg.
"Maybe three or four guys have to replace him because he's so versatile," Jets coach Rex Ryan said.
The Jets on Tuesday signed one of those stand-ins, welcoming back old friend Justin Miller to return kicks and add some depth at defensive back.
The Jets placed Washington on season-ending injured reserve and used the roster spot for Miller, a 2005 second-round pick and 2006 Pro Bowler they released last year after he was hobbled by a bum toe. Miller joined the Oakland Raiders, and in seven games returned two punts for touchdowns.
Miller played one game for the Raiders this year, but was let go.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Tim Graham
Graham joined ESPN.com in 2008 after covering the Miami Dolphins for the Palm Beach Post. He previously spent eight years at the Buffalo News, where he was an award-winning NHL and boxing writer. The Baldwin-Wallace College grad also has worked for the Las Vegas Sun and Boston Herald.