Jets put John Abraham on IR

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y., Dec. 11 (UPI) -- The New York Jets have placed defensive end John Abraham on the injured reserve list, which ends his 2003 season.

The two-time Pro Bowler, who has endured a tough year, had been inactive for six of the Jets' 13 games this season, one because of a coach's decision and five due to a nagging groin injury.

"It's not getting any better," said Coach Herman Edwards of the groin injury. "He's trying as hard as he can. The best thing right now is to put him on IR."

In six games this season, Abraham, who suffered the groin injury in a game against Philadelphia in late October, was able to accumulate six sacks. Ironically, three-and-a- half came against Eagles' quarterback Donovan McNabb.

In 2002, he started all 16 games, wracking up 82 total tackles and 10.0 sacks on his way to earning All-Pro honors for the second consecutive year.