New York Jets DEs fess up to tardiness

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The controversies centered around New York Jets defensive stars Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson finally quieted down Wednesday, when both players acknowledged tardiness was the reason they sat out the first quarter of the team's 27-23 loss to the Miami Dolphins last Sunday.

Wilkerson confirmed the reports he missed a walkthrough on Oct. 22 -- when teammates were planning to present him with a cake in honor of his 27th birthday -- and that he has been late to many meetings this season. The one-quarter suspension was the second time Wilkerson was punished for tardiness. He also missed the opening quarter of a game against the New York Giants last Dec. 6 due to missing meetings.

"Those actions are unacceptable," Wilkerson said. "I definitely feel that, as a leader on this team, I definitely need to do better. I respect the coaches and everybody in this building. I take responsibility for my actions."

Richardson said he was late to just one meeting -- last Friday, when he overslept and arrived 20 minutes late -- and denied he had a pattern of non-punctuality.

"I'm not a regular at missing meetings," Richardson said. "Coach (Todd) Bowles is a disciplinarian. That was my sentencing right there."

--Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick took a small step toward suiting up on Sunday by getting in what the Jets termed a "limited" practice on Wednesday.

Bowles said Fitzpatrick, who sprained his left ACL late in the third quarter against the Dolphins, spent most of his time Wednesday throwing the ball. Bowles was not sure yet if Fitzpatrick could play Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.

"I'll see how he's feeling tomorrow and Friday and get a better gauge and see how many reps and how much running around he can do," Bowles said.

Fitzpatrick, not surprisingly, said he plans to make the start.

"I'm definitely optimistic that I'll be able to go out there and play," Fitzpatrick said. "I'm going to do everything I can between now and then to make sure that happens."

--Center Nick Mangold (ankle, knee) did not practice Wednesday. Mangold missed the past two games with a high ankle injury sustained in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 23. Bowles said he didn't think Mangold, who is still wearing a boot, was feeling much better Wednesday. The knee injury is a new ailment and casts further doubt on Mangold's ability to return for Sunday's game against the Rams.