Jets' Wilkerson has turf toe, expects to miss MNF

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) Muhammad Wilkerson's big left toe will likely keep him off the field for the New York Jets.

The star defensive end has turf toe that has sidelined him all week at practice, and Wilkerson said Friday he expects to miss the team's game Monday night against the Miami Dolphins.

''It feels a little bit better than Monday, so that's a good start,'' Wilkerson said. ''I'm just happy that I don't have to have surgery, so that's a good thing to hear.''

Wilkerson received the news about not needing surgery on Friday, but it's uncertain when he might be able to play again this season. He is still in a walking boot and the toe was heavily wrapped when he spoke to reporters.

''It's just an injury that's going to take some time,'' Wilkerson said. ''It's all about feeling comfortable and making sure that it feels good. Of course, I don't want to get back out there quick and mess it up again and do more damage to it.''

The injury occurred midway through the second quarter of the Jets' 38-3 loss to Buffalo last Monday night when his foot got stuck in the turf at Detroit's Ford Field. He came back briefly, but then sat out the entire second half and watched from the sideline.

''I just couldn't push off my foot,'' Wilkerson said. ''Rather than keep playing and making the injury worse, I just had to call it and had to sit down.''

Wilkerson, who leads the team with 4 1/2 sacks, said the game against Miami will likely be the first he has ever missed at any level of football.

''I'll try to come back whenever I feel comfortable that it's good that I can get off the ball,'' Wilkerson said, ''and I feel comfortable running.''

The loss of Wilkerson is a tough hit to the Jets' defense, but the line is one area where New York has quite a bit of depth. Quinton Coples, a hybrid linebacker-defensive end, will likely see more snaps on the line in Wilkerson's place, along with backup Leger Douzable.

''He's one of the best players in the league, so anytime you lose a guy of that caliber, it's going to hurt,'' defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman said of Wilkerson. ''You don't get emotional about it. You replace him and you move on and you prepare the individuals because you know we have a couple options, different ways we can go. You prepare those guys to get ready and go do battle.''

Jace Amaro, who leads NFL rookie tight ends in catches and yards receiving, will also likely miss the game with what coach Rex Ryan confirmed is a concussion. Amaro is currently going through the NFL's protocol for head injuries, so the fact he still hasn't practiced doesn't bode well for his chances of playing.

Backup quarterback Michael Vick missed practice with an illness, but should be available for the game against the Dolphins. Fullback John Conner (groin) and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (back) were limited, but are also expected to be fine.

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