New York Jets coach Rex Ryan expects to have both wide receiver Braylon Edwards (hamstring) and backup quarterback Tim Tebow (ribs) available on Monday night against Tennessee.
Edwards is questionable after a limited practice Saturday, while Tebow is probable after having a full practice.
Tight end Dustin Keller (ankle) and wide receiver Stephen Hill (knee) are both doubtful. Keller hasn't played since suffering a sprain on Dec. 2, while Hill injured his knee last week in the Jets' win over Jacksonville.
Edwards is dealing with a lingering hamstring injury that caused his former team, Seattle, to cut him since the Seahawks weren't sure if he'd be able to return this year. The Jets, whose passing game is struggling, claimed Edwards on waivers in hopes of him finding his form from when he previously played for them in 2009-10.
While Seattle didn't think Edwards would play again this season, the Jets cleared him for practice and Edwards practiced in a limited capacity all week. Edwards said Friday there's a "high probability" that he'll be able to play and all indications are he will when the Jets face the Titans.
Ryan said Edwards is getting better each day and the team is not going to set a specific number for how many plays they plan to use Edwards.
"I think Monday night he'll definitely get to play," Ryan said on a conference call on Saturday afternoon. "That's kind of how I feel about it. I feel he will play."
Tebow had full practices all week as he deals with his ribs injury. Ryan said Thursday that he didn't see Tebow being used in his usual punt protector role this week, and likely not in the Wildcat, but changed his stance Friday by saying this is as good as Tebow has looked in weeks and he could potentially be used in the wildcat formations.
The backup quarterback hasn't played an offensive snap since Nov. 18 against St. Louis despite dressing in the last two games. He's had more of an effect on special teams this season, as the he's had limited chances to throw the ball and the team's wildlcat package hasn't made much of a difference.
"I feel good about him," Ryan said about Tebow playing on Monday. "He practiced well again today so he looks good and he'll be ready to go on Monday."
Cornerback Aaron Berry (hamstring) and linebacker Bryan Thomas (chest) are both doubtful after not practicing Saturday. Defensive tackle Sione Po'uha (low back) and wide receiver Clyde Gates (concussion) both had limited practices Saturday and are questionable.
Ryan isn't sure if Gates, who practiced for the first time this week on Saturday, will be able to play. Gates last played on Nov. 22 against New England and has caught just 13 passes for 159 yards on the year. The Jets could use all the pass catchers they can get with it looking like Keller and Hill will miss the game.
"I believe he's got another test he has to go through and complete today," Ryan said. "The fact he was out there and in a limited role was encouraging. It looks like he's running well and so that's encouraging. You'd like to have him up with the kind of speed and athleticism he has but we'll see."
The Jets coach opened up his conference call by offering his condolences and prayers to those affected by the shooting in Newtown, Conn.
"Obviously thoughts and prayers to all the people impacted by that tragedy," Ryan said. "All of our thoughts and prayers go to all those people there. Just a horrific deal that happened there."
