Jets' Wilkerson leaves practice with tweaked hamstring

Aug 2, 2015 - 10:32 PM FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) The New York Jets hope they aren't without Muhammad Wilkerson for too long.

The star defensive end left practice Sunday with a tweaked hamstring, an injury coach Todd Bowles didn't believe is serious.

Wilkerson, a key playmaker in Bowles' defense, walked off the field at training camp about halfway through practice and headed straight to the locker room. He didn't appear to be walking gingerly or with a limp.

''They took him inside just to stretch him (out),'' Bowles said after practice.

The players have their first day off from practice on Monday, giving Wilkerson a chance to rest the hamstring and perhaps be back on the field in some capacity Tuesday.

''I didn't think it was serious,'' Bowles said. ''If it loosens up, he should be OK. Shouldn't be out long.''

Wilkerson reported for camp despite being unhappy with his contract, which is in the last year of his rookie deal. Wilkerson is looking for a long-term extension.

Wide receiver DeVier Posey didn't practice with what Bowles said was also a hamstring issue.

Rookie wide receiver Devin Smith was released from the hospital after staying two nights as a precaution, and watched practice from the side in a T-shirt and shorts. He's out 4-6 weeks with broken ribs and a partially punctured lung, suffered while making a leaping catch in practice Friday.

The second-round pick out of Ohio State caught the ball that was deflected by cornerback Marcus Williams, but Smith was then hit from behind by safety Jaiquawn Jarrett as the three were making a play on the ball.

''I talked to him and he's doing a lot better than he was,'' Bowles said of Smith. ''We'll just go day by day.''

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