EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Injured WR Santonio Holmes participated in a fairly vigorous pregame routine Saturday night, doing full-speed sprints and later running pass routes at three-quarters speed -- a positive development as he continues to rehab from foot surgery.

Only five days ago in Cortland, N.Y., Holmes told reporters, "Right now, I can't run." On that same day, he was seen running at three-quarters speed in sprints.

The Jets have been vague about a timetable for his return, as has Holmes. Privately, he has been sending mixed signals, leaving people close to the organization perplexed as to his likely return. To make it back for Week 1, Sept. 8 against the Bucs, he'd probably have to return to practice in the coming days. That would give him two to three weeks to work his way back into football shape.

While Saturday night's pre-game scene was encouraging to the Jets, it was by no means a definitive answer that he'll be back by the opener.