FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Darrelle Revis took one more step toward returning to action for the Jets on Friday when he participated fully in the team’s practice. Coach Todd Bowles said the cornerback is one more step away from being cleared to play Sunday when the Jets host the Tennessee Titans.
“He still has to be cleared by one more doctor,’’ Bowles told reporters after practice. “Pending that clearance, he’ll be good to go.’’
Revis suffered a concussion while making a tackle in the Jets’ Nov. 22 loss to the Texans and missed the next two games, wins over the Dolphins and the Giants. He returned to practice this week, first attending the session — but not participating — on Wednesday, then working on a limited basis on Thursday.
After Thursday’s practice, Revis told reporters he expected to play Sunday, but Bowles was less definitive, insisting Revis still had a couple of hurdles to clear. One was participating fully in practice Friday, including taking part in contact drills, which Bowles said he did.
“He had a full, regular practice,’’ he said.
Bowles was asked if the one last doctor Revis needs to see is the NFL-mandated independent neurologist whom all players going through the league’s concussion protocol must see before being cleared. Bowles said he didn’t know.
Asked if he was encouraged enough to think Revis will be available to play Sunday, Bowles said simply, “If he passes the test, I’ll be encouraged.’’
Getting Revis back would be welcome news for the Jets’ defense against rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota, obviously, but even if Revis is back, the secondary might not be 100 percent healthy. Bowles said cornerback Marcus Williams (knee) remained limited at practice and is questionable for Sunday. Williams started against the Dolphins in place of Revis and suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee in the game. Like Revis, he missed the overtime win over the Giants last week.
Bowles said outside linebacker Calvin Pace, like Williams, was limited in practice Friday. However, Pace, who is bothered by an abdominal injury, is probable for Sunday and is expected to play.
Notes & quotes: On Thursday, Titans assistant Dick Lebeau told reporters in Tennessee that he will instruct his players to “knock the hell out of’’ Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick if he opts not to slide on runs. Bowles was asked if he will remind Fitzpatrick to protect himself by sliding. “We remind him every week,’’ he said. “We see the non-sliding as well, and we try to get him to slide. So he’s got to know when to get down.’’
