The New York Jets signed running back Stevan Ridley to the squad knowing that he is not at 100 percent health. Ridley is currently on the mend from reconstructive knee surgery he underwent last fall.
Thus far, Ridley has yet to practice in the team’s OTAs or minicamp and it remains to be determined if he will be ready to participate in the Jets’ training camp next month. Speaking on his health and recovery process, Ridley is focused on being able to suit up come Week 1.
“I really can’t predict the future, man,” Ridley said Thursday, according to The Star-Ledger. “I just know that, for me, I’ve got to be ready for Week 1. That’s the goal right now. I’m not going to set myself up for any false hope or say that I’m going to do something that I’m not. What I will say is I’m working hard. I’ve just got to make sure that I’m 100 percent healthy, and that when I do hit the field, I’m making an impact.”
Ridley was responsible for 340 rushing yards and two touchdowns in six games for the New England Patriots last season before blowing out his ACL and MCL in October. Unfortunately for Ridley, the injury lowered his value as he approached the free agency. The Jets only invested in a one-year, $1.25 million deal that guaranteed Ridley $80,000. He is a cheap investment who could pay off should he be able to return to full health.
Ridley stated previously that free agency “was a little bit of a letdown” because of his injury situation. However, that did not stop him inking his arm up with his new team’s logo.
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For now, Ridley is taking his recovery process slowly. When cleared to return, Ridley will join fellow running backs Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell, Zac Stacy and Daryl Richardson in what will be a crowded backfield.
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