FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Jerricho Cotchery started light jogging Thursday, first on an underwater treadmill and later on the field. That he was able to do that only four days after sustaining a partial tear to his groin was, in his words, "pretty incredible."
But the New York Jets wide receiver wasn't about to make any bold predictions about playing Sunday against the Houston Texans (4-5). Neither was coach Rex Ryan. He wouldn't rule out Cotchery, but the team created a roster spot late Thursday that could be filled by wide receiver Patrick Turner, currently on their practice squad, who could be used as Cotchery's replacement.
To make the opening, the Jets waived defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert, a sure sign they don't expect Cotchery to play. Turner would act as the No. 4 receiver behind Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes and Brad Smith.
One player who won't take the field against the Texans is backup defensive back Dwight Lowery, who has been ruled out with a concussion.
Lowery was injured in the Jets' 26-20 overtime win Sunday at Cleveland, and Ryan said Thursday that he has "a little ways to go there."
Cotchery admitted that he's still in "a little bit" of pain, and he couldn't say with certainty whether he'd be able to perform positional drills before Sunday. Despite his progress, he sounded resigned to missing at least one game. The feeling in the organization is that he could miss at least two.
In other injury news, quarterback Mark Sanchez returned to full practice status, taking his usual number of reps after sitting out a few on Wednesday. Sanchez has what he called a "really bad" bruise to his right calf.
Left guard Matt Slauson (knee) and safety Eric Smith (ankle) returned to practice on a limited basis after sitting Wednesday.
Rich Cimini covers the Jets for ESPNNewYork.com. Follow him on Twitter. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.