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Associated Press 10y

Jets' Milliner sits out OTA with tight hamstring

NFL, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets cornerback Dee Milliner sat out practice Wednesday with tightness in his left hamstring, and is not sure when he will return to the field.

The practice, the team's fifth organized team activity session, was the first Milliner has missed this offseason after experiencing symptoms earlier in the week.

"It's just precautionary," Milliner said. "I feel fine."

Milliner, in his second season, had a rough start to his rookie year while dealing with hamstring issues early. He is expected to take over this season for Antonio Cromartie as the team's No. 1 cornerback, making this latest injury -- however minor -- cause at least some concern for the Jets.

"He has to understand that he's got to be in extraordinary shape," coach Rex Ryan said. "His challenge will be to be in world-class shape because we've got to have you out there. He needs to be out there and he needs to get work, because that's how he's going get better."

Ryan said Milliner, the No. 9 overall pick last year, had been having a good offseason before this setback. The coach was encouraged by Milliner's progress last season, particularly in the final month.

"You saw it as the year went on last year, he got better because of the work on the practice field and in the classroom," Ryan said. "He was taking off from there, and you don't want to see this happen. He's got to step it up, because I think he's got all the talent in the world."

Milliner, who stood on the sideline during team drills, acknowledged that there's a bit of frustration not being able to participate.

"It bothers me because I want to be out there on the field with my teammates getting better during OTAs," he said. "In another way, it's fine because I know (I'm not) injured or hurt that bad."

Wide receiver Eric Decker also was among those who did not participate. He is in Nashville with wife and recording artist Jessie James for the CMT Music Awards, at which they will be presenters.

Ryan had no issue with the team's top receiver not being at the voluntary workouts.

"Well, speaking as a married guy, (I) absolutely recommend that you would go to that," a smiling Ryan said. "So that would be recommended, I think. You know, you ask for their support, you need to support them, too."

Meanwhile, running back Mike Goodson, coming off a knee injury and facing legal troubles, has yet to show for any of the team's OTAs. Ryan again stressed that the practice sessions are voluntary, but added: "He volunteered not to be here, and I'll volunteer to not answer the question."

Goodson roster status is in serious doubt, aside from facing weapons charges. The Jets also have Chris Ivory, Chris Johnson, Bilal Powell, Alex Green and Daryl Richardson at the position. And, the team isn't quite certain how much Goodson has been able to do in his rehabilitation from the injury.

"I'm not going to speculate because he's not here and I don't know where he is," Ryan said about Goodson's rehab. "We haven't seen him, so I can't answer that question."

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