DENNIS WASZAK Jr.
AP Sports Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Saunders is back on the field for the New York Jets.
The rookie wide receiver returned to practice on a limited basis Sunday after a recent health scare, and is expected to play in New York’s final preseason game at Philadelphia on Thursday night.
Saunders, a fourth-round draft pick out of Oklahoma, wore a red no-contact jersey during practice and coach Rex Ryan thinks he’ll be a full participant Monday after he was cleared by doctors.
“We feel good about that now,” Ryan said of Saunders’ condition. “He’ll be ready to roll. Expect to see a great deal of him in this game.”
The speedy Saunders is expected to play wide receiver and return punts against the Eagles. He’s listed as the team’s No. 1 punt returner.
Saunders had what he called a “very shocking” incident on Aug. 15, when a “medical event” caused him to drive his car off the road near the team’s training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey. Saunders was hospitalized for two days and was still awaiting test results when he spoke to reporters last Wednesday.
Saunders provided few details about what happened, but acknowledged that he never lost consciousness. He didn’t think he had any type of pre-existing condition when the accident occurred on his way to the facility.
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