FLORHAM PARK, N.J. _ The Jets will go into their Sunday afternoon game at Cleveland minus key starters and reserves.
Backup defensive end Kony Ealy has a shoulder injury, suffered in last week's victory over the Jaguars. He didn't practice this week. "Listen to the coaches and get ready for next week," Ealy said after Friday's practice. "Just taking precautions and make sure nothing is nicked up."
Ealy is coming off his best game in which he intercepted a pass and knocked down four more.
The Jets also ruled out cornerback Darryl Roberts (hamstring), who had taken over the starting job from Juston Burris. Burris, who didn't practice, is questionable with a foot injury suffered in practice this week.
And outside linebacker Josh Martin will miss his second consecutive game with an ankle injury. The loss of Martin limits what the Jets can do with their defensive packages.
Normally a 3-4 team, the Jets could start in nickel coverage. However, with cornerbacks Burris and Roberts hurt, it raises questions about who plays where. The Jets could move Marcus Williams to nickel and insert rookie Derrick Jones, who has yet to play this season, on passing downs. With Martin out, the Jets could switch fullback Lawrence Thomas back to defensive end. He was moved to fullback this week, even changing his jersey from No. 97 to 44.
"Regardless of everybody being healthy or one man, two men being down, everybody got to step up," backup defensive end/linebacker David Bass said. "Got to step up anytime your number is called. It's unfortunate we got a couple of guys injured or out, whatever the case."
The offense is not without its own issues with starting running back Matt Forte being ruled out with turf toe. Forte will miss his second consecutive game and will be replaced by Bilal Powell.
"It's week to week; I don't look at none of that hype," Powell said. "I just go about what I'm coached throughout the week and try to learn the game plan and learn my opponent and just go out and try to execute on Sundays."
In last week's victory, Powell and rookie Elijah McGuire combined for 256 rushing yards.
"Every week is different," coach Todd Bowles said. "Obviously we try to run the ball every week, just got to see how the game goes. We just got to establish it."
