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NY Jets: Excitement brews for return of Sheldon Richardson

ByLuis Tirado Jr.|

With the NY Jets looking good standing at 3-1 heading into their bye week, excitement is definitely brewing for the return of Sheldon Richardson.

Being suspended the first four games of the season sure isn’t good considering all the new leadership and faces on the Jets ready to put up a rebounding season. Richardson was unable to impress his new superiors but will get to do so when he returns in Week 6 against the upcoming Washington Redskins.

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One can only imagine how much better the Jets’ defense will be with Richardson back on their defensive line.

In the meantime, the Jets have deployed Leonard Williams in his place who so far has totaled 0.5 sacks and 5 tackles. He’s good but as a rookie, still needs experience and time to reach his true potential.

Thanks to the Media Relations Department of the Jets, here are some interesting quotes direct from head coach Todd Bowles on the return of Richardson:

On getting Sheldon Richardson back…

It gives us an extra weapon, extra depth down there. I mean, he’s a Pro Bowl player, he’s a heck of a player. (We) have to get him back in football shape and get him in the rotation and keep moving forward.

On if he has received an indication from the NFL if Richardson will receive extra discipline…

No, we still haven’t.

On if it will be a challenge to incorporate Richardson into the rotation with the way Leonard Williams and Muhammad Wilkerson have been playing…

No, you don’t have a challenge finding places for good players to play. You just play them.

On if he’s spoken to Richardson about returning…

I have not spoken to him since last week, before we left to go to London. But, he was here every day in meetings and everything else and working out and he was doing fine.

On if team will receive a roster exemption for Richardson…

We have about a week. We don’t have to do anything until next week.

Aug 22, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass under pressure from New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

While there might not be any word of if the NFL will hand down a further suspension or fine to Richardson, for the time being it’ll be great to welcome him back to the team. There is no questioning his abilities to be one of the top at his position but the off-the-field distractions are defining him instead of his actions on the football field. It’s his time to put things past him, own up to his mistakes and get back to work.

Hopefully he can come back and be a true force to reckon with as the Jets are preparing to continue the course and succeed this season with a “one game at a time” mentality. Richardson will more than likely start this season and be in a rotational platoon with Williams going forward.

Next: NY Jets: What does Joe Philbin firing mean?

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