Guard Willie Colon is practicing with Jets

CORTLAND, N.Y. (AP) Willie Colon was tired of just watching.

Now, he's back where he has been itching to be: on the practice field.

The New York Jets activated their starting right guard from the active/physically unable to perform list Sunday. He was in full pads and participated in individual drills after missing the first three days of practice while recovering from offseason arthroscopic knee surgery in late May.

Colon isn't doing team drills just yet, but that's OK with him.

''Each day is a progression,'' he said. ''Right now, just taking it slow. Trying not to have any setbacks. That's the key right now.''

Brian Winters, who started at left guard last season, and Oday Aboushi have been filling in for Colon.

The 31-year-old Colon was re-signed by the Jets in March to a one-year, $2 million deal. He started all 16 games last season, but was recovering from a torn right biceps in the season finale before dealing with the knee issue. He hadn't practiced all offseason or in minicamp because of the injuries.

''It's been a mental grind,'' he said. ''But it's football. I've been doing it. I've been dealing with it.''

Colon is looking forward to getting more work with new right tackle Breno Giacomini, signed by the Jets in the offseason.

''I kind of wanted to get going with him, because chemistry is huge for the offensive line,'' Colon said. ''So, I just have been really eager about that. Right now, it's time and I am ready to go.''

---

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL