All-pro center and lynchpin of the New York Jets' offensive line Nick Mangold will not be travelling with the team to California this week due to a high-ankle sprain, thusly leaving him out for Sunday's matchup with the Oakland Raiders.
Head coach Rex Ryan said Mangold simply is "just not ready," but is coming along "really well," noting that he could likely play next week against the Ravens in Baltimore. Ryan felt that there were too many negative factors going against Mangold's hopes of playing, including the long travelling process from coast-to-coast and a stiff Oakland defensive line. Mangold was on the field during practice this week, wearing a protective boot on his right foot. And even though he is walking without a limp, he can't put enough pressure on it to be effective just yet and endure the physicality of an NFL game.
Colin Baxter and Taylor Boggs are the remaining centers for New York this Sunday, both of them rookies, likely opening up the possibility of getting to Mark Sanchez and hopefully recording a few sacks in the box score. Defensive Coordinator Chuck Bresnahan will undoubtedly be ready to let the dogs of the chain at the Coliseum this Sunday.