Jets' Fitzpatrick fully practices, Mangold sits out again

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) Ryan Fitzpatrick is healthy again and ready to roll.

The New York Jets quarterback was a full participant for the first time since spraining his left knee at Miami on Nov. 6. Coach Todd Bowles announced Monday that Fitzpatrick would start against New England on Sunday.

''I just think with the injury, every day you get better and every day I feel more comfortable and a little bit more normal,'' Fitzpatrick said Wednesday.

''It was good to have the bye and it was good to have the extra day of practice this week. Just going forward as if it's a normal week right now.''

Fitzpatrick was limited during the week of practice after the injury, and Bryce Petty started in his place against Los Angeles on Nov. 13.

Fitzpatrick said he would play with a brace on his knee, but Bowles didn't think the quarterback appeared at all hobbled during practice.

''No, he looked normal,'' Bowles said.

Meanwhile, center Nick Mangold sat out again with a sprained right ankle and appears unlikely to play against the Patriots.

Mangold has been sidelined for three games, but Bowles says Wednesday that the center is out of his walking boot.

Bowles says placing Mangold on season-ending injured reserve isn't yet being discussed, but the coach also didn't rule it out.

''It's something me and (general manager) Mike (Maccagnan) will talk about going forward,'' Bowles said, adding that surgery also has not yet been discussed.

Mangold appeared to be close to returning a few weeks ago, but said he was overaggressive with his rehab and had a setback that put him back in a walking boot.

Wesley Johnson has been solid while filling in for Mangold, and will likely get the call again Sunday.

''For me, if you're not practicing, you're not improving,'' Bowles said when asked if Mangold is getting better.

''I haven't seen him run yet, so I'd have to say no. He's not in a boot, but at the same time, he's not doing anything that I see.''

Defensive tackle Steve McLendon (hamstring) and cornerbacks Marcus Williams (ankle) and Nick Marshall (ankle) also didn't practice. Wide receiver Quincy Enunwa (neck) was limited, as were linebackers Bruce Carter (quadriceps) and Josh Martin (concussion).

---

For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL