CORTLAND, N.Y. -- The Jets will be without their No. 1 wide receiver when they open the preseason Friday night in Cincinnati.

Santonio Holmes, battling a rib-cartilage injury, was ruled out Wednesday by Rex Ryan. Slot receiver Jeremy Kerley (hamstring) also won't play, leaving a patchwork receiving corps. Rookie Stephen Hill, Patrick Turner and Chaz Schilens, who have a combined total of 82 career receptions, will be the top three wideouts in the game.

Holmes was injured in last Saturday night's scrimmage. The initial fear was that he fractured a rib, but an X-ray was negative, the team said. He was listed as day-to-day, but there was never a chance he'd play in the opener. It makes no sense to expose him to further injury. Holmes hasn't practiced this week, and it wouldn't be a surprise if he misses the second game as well.

"I'm getting better every day right now," Holmes said Tuesday. "I'm taking it one day at a time. When I feel the need for contact and the trainers are ready for me to have contact, then I'll be ready to roll."

NT Sione Pouha (head) also won't play. He will be replaced by Kenrick Ellis. RT Wayne Hunter (back) also is unlikely to play; he'd be replaced by Austin Howard.