FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, who played every defensive snap in Sunday's 27-17 loss to the San Diego Chargers, suffered a concussion in the game and didn't practice Wednesday.
Wilkerson's status for the season finale at the Buffalo Bills is uncertain.
On the other side of the ball, quarterback Greg McElroy, who was sacked 11 times by the Chargers, sustained an abdominal injury but is expected to start again this week.
Rex Ryan said he had no idea about Wilkerson's concussion until Tuesday. That he never came out of the game certainly raises questions, but the Jets' coach didn't have many answers.
"It was kind of news to me he has a concussion," Ryan said. "Hopefully, he'll be able to play."
Later, the Jets tried to clarify the circumstances surrounding the concussion. It happened near the end of the game and he didn't show symptoms until after the game, according to a team spokesman. Wilkerson was evaluated Sunday night by the medical staff, the spokesman said. He must follow a specific NFL protocol before being cleared to play.
The Jets' handling of a Shonn Greene head injury in Week 2 was called into question in an ESPN "Outside the Lines' investigation. Greene was dazed on a hit by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Mundy, but he was allowed to return to the game after undergoing the required evaluation.
Wilkerson also suffered an undisclosed knee injury in the game.
Ryan called Wilkerson one of the best interior linemen in the league, saying it would be "a big concern" if he can't play. The game is meaningless for both teams, so it makes little sense to rush back injured players. Safety LaRon Landry (hamstring) also was expected to miss practice Wednesday, so there's some question about his status.
"Shoot, nothing is ever guaranteed, whether it's player, coach or whatever," said Ryan, explaining the incentive for a game that has no playoff implications. "For some of the guys in our locker room, it could be their last game in the NFL."
The injury-plagued Jets have lost two straight, falling to 6-9 -- their first losing season under Ryan. The organization is bracing for likely changes, possibly starting with the removal of general manager Mike Tannenbaum.
Ryan declined to discuss potential offseason moves. He wanted to stay focused on the Bills (5-10), but he didn't have much to say on the hot-button issue regarding the game -- quarterback Tim Tebow's role. Ryan refused to say whether Tebow would be active for the game and, if so, how he'd be used.
"We'll see how the week goes," Ryan said. "Like I said [Monday], Tim would've gone in the game if I had chosen to have him in the game."
That was a reference to an ESPNNewYork.com report in which, according to sources, Tebow asked out of the Wildcat package because he was upset by being passed over last week for the starting QB job.