NY Jets: Why they need Calvin Pryor back

The NY Jets have been bitten hard by the injury bug this season and they need one of their stars back in a major way.

The Jets have not escaped the injury bug that has been prevalent in the 2015 NFL season, but they’re hoping one of their rising stars can make his return to the field this week. Calvin Pryor is feeling like it’s finally his time to return to the field this Sunday vs the Houston Texans. Pryor was interviewed on Monday via the Media Relations Department as part of the weekly press conferences ahead of their match-up with the Houston Texans.

Here’s what he had to say:

How are you feeling?

I’m feeling pretty good.

Do you think you’ll be ready to go this week?

Oh no doubt about it.

How hard has it been not being able to play the last couple weeks?

Oh it’s been difficult, but the main thing is I’ve just been focusing on my rehab and just trying to get back with my team. You know, I can’t help the team if I’m not healthy. So that’s been the main thing, trying to get healthy so I can get back and try to help these guys win.

Calvin you said you were optimistic for Sunday?

No, I’m sure I’ll be playing.

Were you limited today or full?

I was limited, but I felt pretty good. The things I did, working out and different things like that. I’m sure I’ll be more into practice on Wednesday (being) a full participant and being ready to go for this weekend.

How much has the couple extra days helped you?

Oh it helps a lot, I could still do more rehab and just work on getting my ankle better so I’ll be ready to go on Sunday.

When did you start to really feel better like with this Sunday feeling like a definite, did you feel this way last week during practice?

At times, but the more I did you know it became kind of sore. I figured I wouldn’t be ready, to have this time a little break, so I could rehab. And we played on a Thursday so that really helped, I was able to do more rehab and things like that.

To see the interview yourself you can find it right here on www.newyorkjets.com

Sep 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets safety Calvin Pryor (25) makes an interception against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Pryor hurt his ankle in the Oct. 25 loss at the Patriots and missed the next three games. If he can return Sunday, he’ll be just shy of missing a month with his injury. Head coach Todd Bowles is less optimistic as he wants to make sure he sees Pryor making cuts and going through the process before making any proclamations on his playing status.

I talked about the injury bug earlier, Antonio Allen and Jaiquawn Jarrett both suffered season ending injuries and the Jets have had to rely upon practice squad player Rontez Miles and a few waiver wire pickups in Dion Bailey and Ronald Martin to get the job done.

People who know me, know how big of a Miles supporter I am, but he just doesn’t bring what Pryor brings to the table. He’s a versatile defender who is finally showing the Jets his worth as a former first round pick out of Louisville.

Next: Will Ryan Fitzpatrick be good to go for the Jets?

Not only has he shown his prowess for laying the lumber against oncoming defenders, he has also shown nimble hands notching his first career interception earlier this season and has mightily improved in his pass-coverage.

The Jets could surely use all the help they can get with a healthy DeAndre Hopkins on the horizon in their Week 11 match-up with the Texans. Pryor would be a welcomed addition back to this fearsome Jets’ defensive secondary.