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1. New England Patriots: To say New England now has abundance at this position would be a massive understatement. Wes Welker’s and newly signed Brandon Lloyd’s roles are pretty clearly defined, but the Patriots also have Deion Branch, Anthony Gonzalez, Jabar Gaffney, Donte Stallworth, Chad Ochocinco, Julian Edelman, special-teams star Matthew Slater and seventh-round pick Jeremy Ebert all competing for roster spots and roles in this offense.

Welker turned 31 this month, but he has caught more than 100 passes in four of the past five seasons, including a whopping 122 last year. How much does the premier slot receiver of this generation have left? That is hard to guess, but Welker still creates all sorts of problems for every defense he faces and Tom Brady has extreme confidence in him.

With Lloyd in the picture, Welker’s catch total could decrease, as Lloyd is sure to find some favorable matchups now on the perimeter -- often deep downfield. He is an acrobatic receiver who has a ton of big-play ability. Lloyd’s downfield ability is a huge reason New England added him to an already extremely potent passing attack.

Branch will be 33 before the season starts and has appeared in all 16 games only one time in his 11 seasons. Branch is a Brady favorite, but Lloyd is going to cut into Branch’s production in a big way. Still a solid receiver, Branch isn’t someone who can consistently torture single coverage like Lloyd can.

Gaffney hasn’t missed a game in five years and quietly had a pretty good season for the Redskins last year, despite a questionable supporting cast. He is also over 30. I could see him sticking in New England, as the Patriots were very aggressive in pursuing him after his release in Washington.

Gonzalez didn’t play a snap last year and has appeared in only 39 games in his five-year career. Durability is clearly the biggest knock on Gonzalez, but at one point, he and Peyton Manning had a good thing going. This former first-round pick might surprise in a new uniform if he is able to stay healthy.

The 34-year-old Ochocinco was a great player in Cincinnati, but did next to nothing in his first year in New England. He lacks the discipline in his route running to be a regular contributor and is wildly inconsistent, with very few impressive showings. Ochocinco was not a good fit in New England from the start.

Stallworth is yet another over-30 wideout with a checkered history. He is also a former first-round selection and still has the speed to get deep, which is an element the Patriots look to infuse back into their passing attack. One interesting aspect of choosing which wideouts to keep from this huge group is that most of the veteran receivers discussed above offer little-to-nothing on special teams. But any way you cut it, the Pats are pretty loaded at wideout.

2. Buffalo Bills: Although the Bills locked up Steve Johnson, wide receiver is a spot where you can argue they are not noticeably improved from a year ago. Johnson is clearly the top option at wide receiver for Buffalo, but the Bills also will have Donald Jones, David Nelson, Marcus Easley and third round pick T.J. Graham competing for playing time in an offensive system that could feature a high percentage of three-wide receiver sets.

Johnson eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past two seasons and crossed the goal line 17 times over that stretch. He has had some ups and downs and isn’t a special talent when comparing him to other teams’ top wide receivers, but there is also a lot to like about what Johnson brings to the Bills’ offense. He has done some of his best work against the top corners in this league.

Jones played only eight games last year, catching just 23 passes with one touchdown. But he has good deep speed and flashes some big-play ability to go along with enough size to be a starter opposite Johnson. Nelson is a big-bodied slot receiver in the Marques Colston mold. He stepped up for the Bills last season and is the second-most reliable member of this group. I especially like what Nelson offers in the red zone.

Easley showed promise coming out of college but has no production yet in the NFL due to injuries. But he is big and fast. Keep an eye on him. I like his chances in this offense. Graham has a ton of work to do with his development as a wide receiver, but he has extreme speed and explosiveness. It might take time for him to be able to get on the field, but once he does, Graham could open up a lot of room for everyone in this offense.

He isn’t a wide receiver so I am not including him in my ranking process, but with Fred Jackson back to being healthy, I expect C.J. Spiller to line up more on the outside and run wide receiver routes.

3. New York Jets: I am still very much a believer in Santonio Holmes as a player, but outside of Holmes, the wide receiver cabinet is rather bare for New York. You can blame the quarterback play for sure, but there is no way around it -- Holmes had a dismal season for the Jets last year. A player who has shown up huge on the biggest of stages, Holmes was clearly frustrated with his situation last season en route to accumulating a measly 654 receiving yards. I can’t say I condone Holmes’ behavior last season, but his numbers likely would have been much better with more efficient quarterback play.

To bolster this position for the long term, the Jets used a second-round pick on Stephen Hill. Hill is the ultimate size/speed prospect and should immediately have an impact on deep routes to help keep the Jets’ opponents off the line of scrimmage to some degree. But Hill has a lot of work to do with the route tree before he can be considered a true complement to Holmes.

They also picked up the often-injured Chaz Schilens in free agency. Schilens appeared in 15 games last year for the Raiders but accumulated only 271 receiving yards. In the two seasons prior, Schilens missed 19 of a possible 32 games with injury. When healthy, Schilens has used his size, route running and strong hands to move the chains in this league. The Jets could really use that.

Jeremy Kerley could be poised to make an impact in his second season. He demonstrates a lot of quickness and could become the next big contributor out of the slot in the AFC East. Patrick Turner saw snaps last year and is still in the equation. He is a big-bodied receiver who doesn’t separate all that well or stretch the field. It wouldn’t be at all surprising if the Jets were to add another free-agent wide receiver to the mix before training camp.

4. Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins could presently have the worst group of wide receivers in the NFL. Davone Bess and Brian Hartline top Miami’s depth chart. That is frightening.

Bess is a prototypical slot receiver with excellent short-area quickness. He is good after the catch and can thrive with a strong supporting cast on the outside, but he is by no means a feature receiver. Bess is dependable, but not much of a factor near the goal line. Hartline can stretch the field, but he too doesn’t excel in the red zone. To me, Hartline is a borderline starter in any situation. He also will not be able to be the focal point of the passing attack. In what is sure to be a run-first offense in Miami, Bess and Hartline also offer very little as blockers.

The only other notable veteran here is Legedu Naanee, who was unspectacular for the Panthers in 2011. Naanee does have some ability and his blocking will endear him to this coaching staff in their run-first offense. Maybe this change of scenery and opportunity for playing time pays off for Naanee. Clyde Gates, a fourth-round pick from a year ago, will get ample opportunity to step up in his second season. Gates has rare long speed but caught only two passes in his rookie season. A full offseason could help quite a bit, but he has a long way to go in terms of learning the nuances of the position.

The Dolphins used late-round picks to add B.J. Cunningham and Rishard Matthews to this equation. In a deep receiver draft, the Dolphins made excellent value picks here, as both youngsters have intriguing size and movement skills. But counting on late-round rookies to kick start a passing game is far from a wise wager. The Dolphins need to improve at wide receiver in a big way, especially if they plan on maturing Ryan Tannehill as an NFL quarterback properly.

Here are the most interesting stories Wednesday morning in the AFC East:

• What are the odds Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning lands in the AFC East?

Morning take: The odds are probably better than any other division, considering that two teams might have interest. The Miami Dolphins and New York Jets could both use a healthy Manning in their offenses to take their teams to the next level.

• Former New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison believes quarterback Tom Brady will get another shot at a Super Bowl.

Morning take: It's always hard to predict these things. New England should be in the running next season, and that's all a team can ask for. But so much has to go right to make it all the way to the Super Bowl.

• New Buffalo Bills tight ends coach Pete Metzelaars wants to recruit pending free agent Scott Chandler to return.

Morning take: Chandler is an underrated free agent who doesn't put up big numbers but is a solid player. I'm interested to see what kind of value he commands on the open market.

• New York Jets signed receiver Patrick Turner to a one-year contract.

Morning take: Turner is most famous for replacing Santonio Holmes in the fourth quarter of the regular-season finale. He only had eight receptions but the Jets seem to like his potential.

MIAMI -- One of the hottest topics in the New York Jets' locker room after Sunday’s 19-17 season-ending loss to the Dolphins was the benching of receiver Santonio Holmes.

The Jets' No. 1 receiver was out of the game on a crucial drive in the fourth quarter with the season on the line. According to Holmes, he was taken out of the game by backup receiver Patrick Turner, who eventually scored the final touchdown.

"It was the coach's call and it happened," said Holmes, who was clearly upset.

Holmes said he doesn't know who made the decision to bench him but it came from the sideline -- and that's where the mystery begins. Before the benching Holmes got into a heated altercation in the huddle. He was only targeted one time in a must-win game.

Jets coach Rex Ryan said he didn't bench Holmes. That leaves offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer as the next possibility, although we don't know for sure.

When asked about his confidence level in Schottenheimer, Holmes responded, "Well, let's hope for the best."

It was an interesting and somewhat coded response. At the very least, there appears to be a growing unhappiness among some offensive players and Schottenheimer, who enters the offseason on the hot seat.

It was a tough end to a frustrating season for Holmes. He was New York's best playmaker last year and received a big contract extension. But Holmes wasn't given the same opportunities due to poor play calling and inconsistent quarterbacking.

Things finally boiled over for Holmes, who also is a team captain, in the fourth quarter.

"There were some guys who were unhappy with Tone's demeanor," Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson said candidly after the game. "It's tough for guys to follow a captain who kind of behaves in that manner."

Thoughts from the Jets' 20-16 loss to the Texans in a preseason version of "Monday Night Football."

WHAT IT MEANS: Seven months after their crushing loss to the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game, the Jets began another Super Bowl quest Monday night. Rex Ryan’s cast of characters hasn’t changed much since then and, despite a loss to the Texans, there were enough positives to make it a successful preseason opener. They should’ve pulled it out, but rookie reciever Michael Campbell dropped a potential touchdown pass in the final minute.

ON THE MARK: After some spotty practice performances, quarterback Mark Sanchez (6-for-7, 43 yards) stepped up in prime time and was on point with every pass. His lone incompletion was a drop by backup tight end Matt Mulligan. With two starters missing from the offensive line, the Jets kept it conservative, calling only quick throws for Sanchez. But give him credit for his accuracy; that’s an area he’s working to improve. Sanchez was pulled after one quarter and, no, he didn’t want to fight Ryan to get back on the field.

KEY INJURY: The Jets lost backup center Rob Turner (lower leg) to a potentially serious injury. This injury won’t grab big headlines, but it’s costly because of Turner’s versatility. He can play center, guard, tight end and blocks in the wedge on kickoff returns. Turner, who started for the injured Nick Mangold, was carted off in the first quarter and replaced by third-stringer Robby Felix. Luckily for the Jets, Mangold should be back to practice this week.

THIN LINE: Just the other day, Ryan boasted that the Jets’ top seven offensive linemen are the best in the league. It’s not looking that way now. Not only is Turner out, but second-year lineman Vladimir Ducasse was awful.

Ducasse, who started for injured lineman Brandon Moore, allowed a sack at right guard and another at right tackle. The first sack came on the play in which Turner was injured; Ducasse’s failure to hold off defensive end J.J. Watt put Turner in a vulnerable position. Ducasse also got some work at left guard, where -- hooray -- he didn’t allow a sack.

If Turner’s injury is long term, the Jets will have to sign an experienced backup center. It’s a thin market. In fact, the best available center might be former Giant Shaun O’Hara.

THE PLAXICO VOID: The biggest story of the game -- Plaxico Burress -- wasn’t at the game. He was home, nursing an ankle injury and schmoozing with ESPN’s Mike Tirico in a phone interview during the fourth quarter. (In case you’re wondering, Burress reiterated that he expects to practice full on Wednesday.) Without Burress, the other new receiver, Derrick Mason, was in a prominent role. Mason caught all three passes thrown to him for 21 yards -- a solid debut, considering his lack of practice time with Sanchez.

THE ROOKIES: It was a nice start for the Jets’ draft class, especially nose tackle Kenrick Ellis (one batted pass), QB Greg McElroy (208 yards passing) and WR/KR Jeremy Kerley (32.5 average on kickoff returns). Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson started the game, but didn’t have any wow moments -- although he did have an offsides penalty. Running back Bilal Powell (nine carries, 25 yards) also played well and could push Joe McKnight for the No. 3 tailback job. McKnight left with a possible concussion.

KID QB: With backup QB Mark Brunell (finger) sitting out, McElroy played the second, third and fourth quarters, leading the offense to three field goals and a touchdown (2-yard scoring pass to Patrick Turner). McElroy lost a fumble on a strip sack, but he kept his composure and demonstrated some of the attributes that led the Jets to draft him in the seventh round -- smarts, poise and accuracy. Too bad he doesn’t have a gun.

WHAT A COMEBACK: Eight months removed from breaking his shin in a freak practice collision, safety Jim Leonhard was back on the field, back in the Jets’ starting lineup. It was a welcomed sight for the defense, which relies on Leonhard to make calls on the field.

INJURY WATCH: Linebacker Bart Scott hurt his left ankle/leg on the first play of the game. The replay looked bad, but he returned on the second series. He watched most of the second half with a huge wrap on his leg. Stay tuned.

INACTIVES: QB Mark Brunell, WR Plaxico Burress, C Nick Mangold, RG Brandon Moore, LB Brandon Long, G Trevor Canfield. The Texans played without RB Arian Foster and WR Andre Johnson, their offensive stars.

Random thoughts and observations as we head into the homestretch of the lockout:

If free agency starts next Saturday, the latest tentative starting date, it'll make for a bizarro training camp. For the first few days of camp, teams will have swiss-cheese depth charts as their free agents shop the open market.

Imagine what it'll be like for the Jets: They will have Jerricho Cotchery (if medically cleared) and Patrick Turner as their starting wide receivers, with Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith potentially shopping for deals. At safety, you could see Jim Leonhard (if cleared) and Dwight Lowery, with Brodney Pool, Eric Smith and James Ihedigbo testing the market.

On, say, Day 3, they could have a new starting receiver show up, maybe Randy Moss. He'll sign his contract, receive a playbook and be sent out to the field to meet his new teammates. It's going to be chaos. It'll be a distraction for players and coaches, all of them wondering who's coming and who's going. It'll be taxing for the coaches, who will have to spend extra time teaching the system to new players. It'll be minicamp, OTAs and training camp all in one, with a revolving door of players. Fasten your seatbelt.

• I'm all for player safety, but the elimination of two-a-days and the reduction of padded practices in the regular season (only 14) is a bit ridiculous. Come on, it's football, not lawn tennis. I agree with Bart Scott; it'll make player soft. The product on the field will suffer, especially the tackling. Old-school coaches believe players lose their edge when they're not practicing in pads.

• The elimination of the No. 3 quarterback on the game-day roster, one of the proposed changes in the CBA, will increase the value of free agent-to-be Smith. A former college quarterback at Missouri, Smith can be the unofficial/emergency No. 3 while playing all his other roles. He'll save a roster spot or two, and that has value.

• I don't know Robert Kraft, and I didn't know his late wife, Myra, but after reading all the tributes and seeing the number of players and former players that attended her funeral (including Curtis Martin), it's not hard to see why the Patriots are such a well-run organization.

• You give Mike Tannenbaum six months to prepare for free agency, and you have to expect a big-splash move that catches people by surprise. He's not the wallflower type. If you're a Jets fan, though, you have to hope he doesn't outhink himself.

• If I'm the Jets and I can get Nnamdi Asomugha for Darrelle Revis money (about $11.5 million per year), with a creative, backloaded deal, I'd do it. I'd rather spend a few million more for Asomugha instead of overpaying Antonio Cromartie. How often does a player of Asomugha's caliber hit the open market? I say go for it.

• Question for owners: Was it really worth it?

The New York Jets are committed to adding Mark Sanchez's former teammates to the roster.

They drafted USC running back Joe McKnight last year and, when the Miami Dolphins waived receiver Patrick Turner, the Jets claimed Sanchez's top USC target.

Saturday afternoon, the Jets drafted Sanchez's high school buddy.

They used their seventh-round choice on Sanchez's best friend, Colorado receiver Scotty McKnight (no relation to Joe McKnight). Sanchez was with him when the Jets called.

"Are you kidding me?" McKnight said on a conference call with reporters. "I'm teaming up with a great organization, a great team and being together with my childhood buddy who I grew up with. We have never played on the same team together. We've just always been chained together.

"It's a dream come true. It's cool. I'm just ready to make the most out of the opportunity."

Sanchez and Scotty McKnight grew up in the same neighborhood, played Pop Warner football together and were ball boys for Santa Margarita High in California, but they ended up attending different high schools.

Scotty McKnight was a 5-foot-10 walk-on at Colorado but left as the school's all-time leading receiver with 215 catches and 22 touchdowns. He's a possession receiver who projects to the slot.

Sanchez attended a couple Colorado games last year and was the quarterback at its pro day in March.

While working on a feature about Tom Modrak's draft record as Buffalo Bills vice president of college scouting, ESPN researcher John Fisher dug up some interesting data.

The Bills actually were the AFC East's most efficient club when it came to drafting starters since Modrak came aboard in 2002.

Several factors certainly play into that from team to team. Importance of the position, holes that allow for immediate contributions and reliance on free agents to fill out a roster all make a difference. So do the number of players drafted.

But, in general, I thought it was an interesting snapshot to share. Because the research was done to put Modrak's tenure in perspective, numbers are from 2002 through the present.

Buffalo Bills

First through third rounds: 28 players; 804 starts (15th)

Fourth through seventh rounds: 45 players; 417 starts (eighth)

Analysis: Among AFC East teams, only the New England Patriots generated more starts within the first three rounds. No other division opponent found more starts from the fourth round and beyond. The Bills have whiffed badly on some early picks, as noted in Thursday's story about Modrak. But they have done well in locating solid help in the later rounds, namely 1,000-yard receiver Steve Johnson (seventh round), Pro Bowl defensive lineman Kyle Williams (fifth round) and top cornerback and Pro Bowl kick returner Terrence McGee (fourth round).

Miami Dolphins

First through third rounds: 25 players; 599 starts (31st)

Fourth through seventh rounds: 43 players; 333 starts (16th)

Analysis: The Dolphins have done well with their recent first-round picks. Although receiver Ted Ginn with the ninth pick in 2007 was controversial, they found keepers with tackles Jake Long and Vernon Carey and running back Ronnie Brown. But the second and third rounds have been a wasteland: quarterbacks John Beck and Pat White, running back Lorenzo Booker, receivers Patrick Turner and Derek Hagan, linebacker Eddie Moore. Miami's best later-round pickups since 2002 have been franchise-tagged nose tackle Paul Soliai (fourth round), Pro Bowl safety Yeremiah Bell (sixth round) and tight end Randy McMichael (fourth round).

New England Patriots

First through third rounds: 31 players; 823 starts (12th)

Fourth through seventh rounds: 50 players; 379 starts (11th)

Analysis: The Patriots have found their share of gems in the later rounds, including four eventual Pro Bowlers. They picked up cornerback Asante Samuel and kicker Stephen Gostkowski in the fourth round, center Dan Koppen in the fifth and quarterback Matt Cassel in the seventh. They've also done incredibly well with their first-round selections. Five of their past six first-rounders have gone to the Pro Bowl. Where the Patriots have been shaky is in the second and third rounds. They've gotten receiver Deion Branch, tight end Rob Gronkowski, tackle Sebastian Vollmer and safety Patrick Chung there, for instance, but they've also misfired with quarterback Kevin O'Connell, receivers Chad Jackson and Bethel Johnson and cornerback Terrence Wheatley.

New York Jets

First through third rounds: 24 players; 766 starts (19th)

Fourth through seventh rounds: 32 players; 314 starts (18th)

Analysis: The Jets' start totals look worse because they haven't drafted as many players as the other AFC East teams. Their early round players average 32 starts, about 5 1/2 more than the Patriots. But the team that accumulated the most starts here -- the Jacksonville Jaguars with 1,172 -- averaged an extraordinary 43 per player. The Jets obviously failed with 2008 sixth overall pick Vernon Gholston and 2003 fourth overall pick Dewayne Robertson, but they've generally identified quality players inside the first three rounds, including All-Pros Nick Mangold and Darrelle Revis and franchise quarterback Mark Sanchez.

An important Super Bowl moment has been lost somewhat amid Aaron Rodgers' performance, Jordy Nelson's numbers, Charles Woodson's injury and even speculation about what Brett Favre was thinking.

In the first quarter, Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Howard Green plowed forth -- and almost through -- Pittsburgh Steelers guard Chris Kemoeatu on his way to Ben Roethlisberger.

Green's pressure and hit forced an awful throw. Defensive back Nick Collins intercepted and returned it for a touchdown in a 31-25 Packers victory.

ESPNNewYork.com writer Rich Cimini caught up with Green after the game.

Green spoke about how redemptive the play was in light of the New York Jets releasing him twice this past season.

"One simple word: perseverance," Green said. "I had to deal with some tough things, some ups and downs. The Jets cut me for whatever reason. That's not an issue anymore.

"I appreciate them for giving me the opportunity, but I'm a Packer now and we just won the Super Bowl. That's all I need to say about that."

Green's time with the Jets in 2010 was tumultuous.

The Jets placed nose tackle Kris Jenkins on injured reserve and signed Green on Sept. 15 -- a day after they released running back Danny Woodhead.

Green was inactive for Week 2 and played in Week 3. Then the Jets released him for defensive lineman Trevor Pryce, who the Baltimore Ravens surprisingly cut in a roster-juggling maneuver.

The Jets re-signed Green and reinstated suspended receiver Santonio Holmes on Oct. 4. The Jets waived receivers Patrick Turner and David Clowney, the player the Jets needed to cut Woodhead to make room for.

Green played in Week 5, was inactive for Week 6 and was waived after the Jets' bye. He was so bewildered, he chose to drive home to Mississippi from New Jersey. Before he got home, the Packers claimed him.

He soon was on his way back to New Jersey because the Packers' next opponent was the Jets at the Meadowlands.

PITTSBURGH -- Here are the inactives for Sunday night's AFC Championship Game between the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field:

New York Jets

• Quarterback Kellen Clemens
• Fullback John Conner
• Receiver Patrick Turner
• Tight end Matthew Mulligan
• Tight end Jeff Cumberland
• Defensive tackle Jarron Gilbert
• Defensive tackle Marcus Dixon
• Defensive end Vernon Gholston

Pittsburgh Steelers

• Quarterback Charlie Batch
• Running back Jonathan Dwyer
• Tackle Chris Scott
• Tackle Tony Hills
• Defensive tackle Steve McLendon
• Defensive end Aaron Smith
• Cornerback Crezdon Butler
• Safety Will Allen

On a team full of superstars, the importance of New York Jets safety Jim Leonhard often gets overlooked.


The difference will be noticeable when Leonhard's not on the field.

Leonhard suffered what head coach Rex Ryan called a "severe" shin injury. Ryan assumed it was broken when Leonhard ran into receiver Patrick Turner during a drill at Friday's practice. Multiple outlets have reported Leonhard's injury is season-ending.

The loss will be felt in many ways. Leonhard makes the secondary calls. He leads all Jets defensive backs and is third overall on the team with 66 tackles. He has one interception, six passes defensed, a tackle for loss, three quarterback hits and a fumble recovery.

Eric Smith likely will join the other usual safety, Brodney Pool, in the lineup Monday night against the New England Patriots in Gillette Stadium.

Leonhard also is the Jets' top punt returner. He's averaging 11.3 yards, which ranks fourth among players with at least 20 returns.

Rookie cornerback Kyle Wilson is the only other Jet to have returned a punt this year (7.4-yard average), but he has fallen out of favor. Special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff announced receiver Jerricho Cotchery, coming back from a groin injury, will field punts.

Folks wondered who the New York Jets would release when receiver Santonio Holmes returned from his four-game suspension.

David Clowney? Patrick Turner?

Yes, and yes.

The Jets on Monday waived Clowney and Turner because they also re-signed defensive end Howard Green a day after Shaun Ellis injured his knee.

Even before they left the Ralph Wilson Stadium visitors' locker room Sunday after detonating the Buffalo Bills, the Jets already were looking forward to adding Holmes to a team that has averaged 32.3 points in three straight AFC East victories.

"It could be deadly," Jets tight end Dustin Keller said of getting Holmes back. "It's going to be tough to stop us. It's tough when you have as many threats in the passing game as we do, and then you have the best rushing attack in the NFL. You almost have too many options."

When asked about welcoming Holmes back to the offense, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez replied "That's pretty scary."

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills will be missing some notable starters for Sunday's game in Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Each will be without their best defensive lineman, top cornerback and a quality linebacker.

Here are the inactives (the Jets' D-lineman I referred to is nose tackle Kris Jenkins, who's on injured reserve):

Buffalo Bills

• Quarterback Levi Brown
• Tackle Jamon Meredith
• Tackle Ed Wang
• Defensive end Marcus Stroud
• Defensive end John McCargo
• Inside linebacker Andra Davis
• Cornerback Terrence McGee
• Safety Cary Harris

New York Jets

• Quarterback Kellen Clemens
• Receiver Patrick Turner
• Tight end Jeff Cumberland
• Tackle Wayne Hunter
• Defensive tackle Marcus Dixon
• Outside linebacker Calvin Pace
• Outside linebacker Jamaal Westerman
• Cornerback Darrelle Revis

MIAMI -- The New York Jets have announced receiver Braylon Edwards, arrested Tuesday morning for drunk driving, will not play the entire first quarter Sunday night against the Miami Dolphins here in Sun Life Stadium.

"We've made our disappointment clear to Braylon," Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said in a statement released by the club. "Now he must deal with the consequences of his actions as the legal process runs its course, and the league will determine the appropriate discipline under the guidelines of the collective bargaining agreement."

Edwards is coming off an influential game for the Jets. He had five catches for 45 yards and a touchdown plus a two-point conversion in last week's victory over the New England Patriots.

Brad Smith will start at the receiver spot opposite Jerricho Cotchery.

The Jets on Saturday promoted receiver Patrick Turner to the active roster. Turner, a Dolphins third-round draft choice last year, will help fill try to hold down the fort along with Smith and David Clowney until Edwards takes the field.

Probably thanks to Braylon Edwards' recent arrest for drunken driving, wide receiver Patrick Turner will get a shot to play against the Miami Dolphins, the team that cut him three weeks ago.

The New York Jets on Saturday promoted Turner from their practice squad to the active roster in time for Sunday night's game against the Dolphins in Sun Life Stadium.


Jets coach Rex Ryan likes to make captains of his players that are going against their former teams. Expect to see Turner at midfield for the opening coin flip.

The Jets previously announced Edwards will dress but won't start. They haven't revealed how long Edwards will watch from the sidelines. The addition of Turner to the active roster could indicate Edwards won't play much.

I had a chance to catch up with Turner on Monday at the Jets' training facility in Florham Park, N.J.

"I'm just working, having fun and trying to get better," Turner said, not knowing Edwards would be under arrest about 12 hours later. "I want to get on the field.

"I love being a Jet. I want to go out there and play hard, make plays."

Just last year, the Dolphins drafted Turner in the third round with visions of an attractive target for Chad Henne on third downs and in the red zone. Turner was the top receiver at USC for Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez.

But Turner barely could get on the field for Miami. He was deactivated for all but two games. He caught zero passes.

"I guess you could say they gave me a shot because they drafted me," Turner said of his brief stay with the Dolphins. "They made a decision.

"It was frustrating that whole year. Coach [Tony] Sparano did allude to it one time that he didn't give me a shot to get on the field. I didn't get too much playing time. On game day, I couldn't show what I could do, but I've moved on. There's nothing I can do about that."

Turner couldn't beat out Ted Ginn, Greg Camarillo, Davone Bess or fellow rookie Brian Hartline last year. Over the offseason, the Dolphins dealt Ginn but picked up superstar Brandon Marshall.

After evaluating their roster through the preseason, the Dolphins decided to keep undrafted rookies Marlon Moore and Roberto Wallace, which had to be influenced at least partly by money.

The Dolphins cut Turner and 2009 second-round pick Pat White on the same day.

"It came down to numbers," Turner said.

On Sunday night, Turner finally could record his first NFL numbers.

"I'm excited about this and the opportunity it presents," he said Monday, with no clue how quickly the opportunity would unfold.

The Miami Dolphins waived two big names from their 2009 draft class.

Second-round quarterback Pat White went unclaimed Sunday, marking another depressing day in his moribund pro career.

Third-round receiver Patrick Turner was claimed by the New York Jets.

Not only does Turner remain in the AFC East, but he also has been reunited with his college quarterback. Mark Sanchez and Turner teamed up for some impressive numbers at USC and nearly won a national title together.

Turner led the Trojans in touchdowns -- rushing or passing -- in 2008. He caught 49 passes for 741 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Maybe Sanchez will help him find a spark because Turner has flatlined in the NFL. Turner was inactive for all but two games last year. He had no receptions. This summer, he was outplayed by undrafted rookies Marlon Moore and Roberto Wallace, who made the 53-man roster Saturday.

Jets rookie running back Joe McKnight, a fourth-round pick, also played at USC with Sanchez and Turner.

I doubt future USC ads will tout this trio as examples of how former Trojans make seamless NFL transitions, but the Jets are taking a shot on the former teammates growing together.