FLORHAM PARK, New Jersey — The New York Jets will face the Pittsburgh Steelers' speedy receivers without Darrelle Revis.


The All-Pro cornerback was ruled out Friday for the team's game at Pittsburgh on Sunday with a concussion that left Revis "in a fog" after the injury occurred in the season opener against Buffalo.

Coach Rex Ryan said Revis was cleared for non-contact practice for the first time Friday, but will not travel to Pittsburgh with the team Saturday.

"We followed NFL protocol this week," Ryan said, "and we'll always follow NFL protocol when it comes to concussions, but Darrelle is ruled out for the game."
Revis needed to be cleared by the team physician and an independent neurological consultant in order to first practice and then play. He was injured when he made a diving tackle attempt on C.J. Spiller and teammate Bart Scott accidentally kicked him in the head.
The Jets will also be without tight end Dustin Keller and linebacker Bryan Thomas, both because of hamstring issues. To make up for the loss of Keller, one of quarterback Mark Sanchez's favorite targets, New York signed tight end Dedrick Epps — who was in training camp with the Jets — off Chicago's practice squad.

Pittsburgh might be without a few key defensive players, too, as safety Troy Polamalu (strained right calf) and linebacker James Harrison (left knee) didn't practice Friday and were questionable for the game.

Revis has missed just three games in his career, all in 2010. Now, the Jets will head to Pittsburgh with a tough matchup coming up with the Steelers' trio of Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders.

Kyle Wilson, a first-round draft pick in 2010, will start in Revis' place opposite Antonio Cromartie. Ellis Lankster will move in Wilson's usual nickelback spot.
Safety Eric Smith is also expected to make his season debut after being hobbled since the preseason with hip and knee injuries.

"With Darrelle not playing, we have a lot of confidence in Kyle Wilson," Ryan said. "Obviously, he has to step up in a starter role, which he's ready for. Ellis Lankster and Isaiah Trufant will share some nickel and dime responsibilities.

"It'll be good to get Eric Smith back, and we think he's ready to roll. The guys that are stepping up in this case, I always believe, the guys who step up and replace that guy, have to maintain that level — or maybe even a little better.

"In this case, we'll take a little less with the Darrelle Revis deal."

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