SAN DIEGO -- Embattled New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith will be without his top wide receiver Sunday against the San Diego Chargers, as wide receiver Eric Decker was declared inactive with a hamstring injury.
This marks only the second time in Decker's career he has missed a game due to injury. A knee injury kept him out of a 2011 playoff game as a member of the Denver Broncos.
Greg Salas is slated to replace Decker in the starting lineup, according to the Jets. The coaches have been impressed with Salas' recent performances.
Decker, who aggravated the injury last Thursday at practice, apparently tried to lobby the medical staff before the game. There was a long discussion on the field about three hours before the game, and Decker was seen motioning with his arms. It was no use. He was listed as questionable.
The other banged-up receiver, David Nelson, is active for the game. Early in the week, Nelson, who had a severe low-ankle sprain, was considered a long shot to play.
Nelson, Salas and Jeremy Kerley and will get most of the receiver snaps, with T.J. Graham set to make his Jets debut off the bench. They also dressed Walter Powell (punt returner) and Saalim Hakim (kickoff returner).
The Jets' other inactive players are wide receiver Chris Owusu, linebacker A.J. Edds, guard Dakota Dozier, tackle Ben Ijalana, nose tackle Kenrick Ellis and defensive tackle T.J. Barnes. They dressed only four defensive linemen, but rookie pass-rusher IK Enemkpali is active for the first time. The coaches were disappointed with Barnes last week. Ellis is inactive for the second week in a row.
