Jets CB Antonio Cromartie expected to play

New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

New York Jets No. 1 CB Antonio Cromartie suffered a knee injury on Thursday’s practice that appeared to be severe, but he only suffered a hyperextended knee. However, the injury has certainly be significant enough to cast doubt on Cromartie’s chances of playing this week  against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cromartie is easily one of the most important players on the Jets. He is the only corner who can play on an island against a star receiver, and having a legitimate No. 1 corner is especially important when going up against a receiver the caliber of Antonio Brown. Although Cro hasn’t enjoyed a successful 2013 campaign thus far, he played at an elite level last year and is too talented and important for the Jets to have on the inactive list.

The good news is that ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Antonio Cromartie is expected to play against the Steelers tomorrow. Cromartie is currently listed questionable on the Jets injury report with the knee injury, and it’s great to hear that we should expect to see him out there tomorrow. The Jets are definitely better off for it, because they would have likely had to start Darrin Walls on Brown, which is a downgrade. Still, it might not be a huge downgrade, since Cromartie is injured and hasn’t had the best season so far.

The 29-year-old Florida State product is still searching for his first pass defended this year, and he is going to be a  game-time decision.

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