Jets Don't Feel Great About Revis for Sunday, Pace Making Progress

It could be time for Plan C at cornerback.

With Darrelle Revis expected to miss his second straight game because of a strained hamstring, and with rookie Kyle Wilson struggling in Revis' spot, the New York Jets might promote Drew Coleman to a starting role for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills.

Coleman and Wilson rotated with the first-team defense Wednesday in practice, and coach Rex Ryan later volunteered that he was mulling a change. That would be a setback for Wilson, their first-round pick.

"He closed out the game pretty well," said Ryan, alluding to Coleman's victory-clinching, end-zone interception last Sunday night in Miami. "He deserves a look in there. We'll see how it develops as the week goes on."

In an ideal world, the Jets wouldn't have to make that decision, but Revis missed his fourth straight practice. He hasn't practiced since injuring his hamstring late in the first half of their Week 2 win over the New England Patriots. Officially, the Jets haven't ruled out Revis for the Bills, but they aren't counting on him.

"I don't feel great about Darrelle right now," said Ryan, adding, "I don't want to rule him out yet because I don't want to get fined by the league if he plays."

The chances of that happening are slim. The doctors believe it could take another two weeks for Revis to be 100 percent.

Outside linebacker Calvin Pace, who hasn't practiced since breaking a foot in the third preseason game, is hoping to return Thursday. He did light work Wednesday, but didn't participate in any positional or team drills. Pace estimated his chances of playing Sunday are about 50-50. If he does, he'll likely be limited to third-down pass rushing.

Clearly, the Jets' pass defense has issues, as it surrendered 363 yards to the Dolphins' Chad Henne. Wilson, in his second NFL start, was roughed up. Unofficially, he allowed seven completions for 95 yards, plus a 27-yard penalty for pass interference.

"He's playing green right now," said Ryan, claiming the potential change isn't designed as a motivational play to push Wilson.

Wilson, the former Boise State standout, was expected to be the third corner, but he was thrust into a bigger role during the preseason because of Revis' long holdout. Man-to-man coverage is his forte, but he's having trouble adjusting while the ball is in the air.

"I have to be a smarter player and envision myself making those plays out there in the future," said Wilson, who believes he needs to be more physical at the line of scrimmage.

Fortunately for the Jets, the Bills (0-3) don't scare anybody with their passing attack, although new starter Ryan Fitzpatrick provided a spark last week by passing for 247 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in a loss to the New England Patriots.

Fitzpatrick's top receiver is Lee Evans, who probably will be covered by Antonio Cromartie. The Bills' other wideouts are Steve Johnson and slot receiver Roscoe Parrish, who likely will be marked by Wilson.

Coleman, who hasn't started a game since his rookie year in 2006, has been used mostly as a fourth or fifth corner. This would be a big promotion for him, but Ryan doesn't want to shatter Wilson's confidence by making him an every-down target for the opposition.

"He's struggling a little bit, without question," Ryan said.