New York Jets receiver Santonio Holmes reportedly has been medically cleared to practice but hasn't yet returned to the field. Some in the Jets organization believe Holmes is "milking" his injury to avoid training camp, the New York Post reports.
Holmes suffered his Lisfranc foot injury 11 months ago, but hasn't returned to practice. Dr. Robert Anderson, the specialist who operated on Holmes, recently cleared the 29-year-old receiver to resume football activities, a source told The Post.
Yet, despite the clearance, Holmes has not begun participating in team activities. He hasn't given a timetable for his return, either.
"I can't pinpoint a day when it will feel better because every day has been the same up until this point," Holmes told The Post. "I feel good some days. I don't the others. This pain won't go away. It's something I can't predict because I have to get up and I have to run. I have to cut. I have to put pressure on it and apply as much pressure as I can to run routes and to feel comfortable."
Some in the Jets organization, however, doubt the injury is as bad as Holmes is saying. A theory around Florham Park, according to The Post, is Holmes doesn't want to participate in training camp and is using the injury as an excuse to stay sidelined. The doubters also think Holmes will miraculously pronounce himself ready to play once the regular season begins.
Another theory is that Holmes might sit out and wait to see how the Jets start the season. If the Jets continue their losing ways from last season, some speculate Holmes would continue to sit out; if the Jets play well in the beginning, Holmes would presumably jump onboard to play.
The Jets haven't said whether Holmes has been cleared to resume team activities.
Coach Rex Ryan doesn't appear to believe Holmes is milking the injury.
"He seems excited," Ryan told The Post. "I think that's a good sign. Again, he's going to lean on the trainers. We're all going to lean on the trainers and the doctors. When they say he's ready to go, he'll be champing at the bit. I can tell you that right now. He's in great shape."
While Holmes might be "champing at the bit" in private to return, his comments to reporters suggest otherwise - he hasn't committed to returning this season.
"I don't know how to answer that question as far as missing the whole season," Holmes said. "We have 16 weeks of football. At any point, I could be ready to play and if not I'd be willing to accept it."
