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Banged-up Mo Wilkerson could sit out Sunday, perhaps longer

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Muhammad Wilkerson is banged up and not producing, and the New York Jets are mulling the idea of sitting him for a game, perhaps longer, to get healthier.

"It's a thought," coach Todd Bowles said Friday. "We discuss is day by day and week by week, and we'll go from there. We don't make anybody play that doesn't want to play. ... It's been good enough to play on Sunday thus far. We'll see this Sunday."

Wilkerson is battling a grade 1 AC joint sprain in his shoulder and an undisclosed toe injury on his right foot. He missed practice for the second straight week and is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. It will be a game-time decision, according to Bowles.

It was the same situation last week -- no practice and a "questionable" designation -- but he wound up playing 53 of 68 defensive snaps in the loss to the New England Patriots.

Clearly, something isn't right with Wilkerson, who has no sacks, no tackles for loss and no quarterback hits. Bowles defended Wilkerson's play earlier in the week, but the fact he admitted they might rest him indicates the injuries are a concern.

"It's football," Bowles said. "You can ask anybody in the league: Everybody is battling something. Some can play with (injuries), some can't. If you can play, there's no excuse. If you can't, you get an excuse."

In other injury news, rookie tight end Jordan Leggett could be headed to injured reserve after a flare-up from his recent knee injury. Leggett, who was injured in the preseason and was inactive for five of the first six games, experienced swelling after Thursday's practice and was ruled out for Sunday. He will have an MRI exam.