Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley was adament that he'd be on the field when the Jets host New England.
Mosley, who hadn't appeared since Week 1, told reporters that he'd play Monday night barring any miraculous setback leading into the matchup. He missed the last four games with a groin injury and appears ready to make his return to the Jets' defensive unit.
The 27-year-old took his time as he progressed towards his return. Mosley, who missed one game over the past two seasons, didn't jeopardize his health by making a rapid comeback. Dr. Steve O'Brien says it was the right call.
O'Brien praised the Jets staff for how they handled Mosley's situation when he joined Mike Francesa on Friday afternoon.
"Absolutely. They played it perfectly," O'Brien told Francesa. "They paid homage to the injury. He's a linebacker. He needs to move side to side. They did a great job at keeping him down. (It's) smart."
There's a reason to be concerned when a player returns from a lingering injury. It's an injury that's fairly common in the NFL. Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson and 49ers tight end George Kittle each sustained groin injuries this season, nearly jeopardizing their playing time.
O'Brien doesn't have significant reservations about Mosley's slow return despite the amount of movement he'd do against the Patriots in Week 7.
"By virtue of the position that he plays, you worry a little bit because It's kind of like a hockey player with small side-to-side movement," O'Brien told Francesa. "But no, after six weeks it's going to be completely healed. They handled it perfectly."
Click the audio player above to listen to O'Brien's interview in its entirety.
