Jets' Harris has surgery on injured groin, out 2-3 weeks

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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets will be without leading tackler David Harris for at least two to three weeks after having surgery on his injured groin, according to published reports.

Harris, who leads the Jets with 52 tackles in his second season, had a procedure Wednesday to repair the injury, the Daily News and Star-Ledger of Newark reported Thursday.

Coach Eric Mangini declined to update Harris' status or confirm the reports Thursday a day after saying "it's a longer shot this week" for the linebacker to play Sunday against St. Louis after he missed the Jets' game at Buffalo last weekend.

"No, I really shared all I was going to share yesterday," Mangini said. "I always stress that to the boys, sharing is caring, but I've reached my quota. I thought that I was very giving."

Harris, who didn't make the trip to Buffalo after not practicing all week, was injured in the second quarter of the Jets' 28-24 victory over Kansas City on Oct. 26. He spent all last week on the stationary bike during practice, but hasn't been seen this week at the team's training facility.

Veteran David Bowens likely will start in Harris' place for the second straight game. He had five tackles and a sack against the Bills.

"Well, the way I prepare is there's no falloff," Bowens said. "I think we look at it as just a middle linebacker, not who it is so the production that Dave would have had, I expect the same."

Safety Eric Smith missed practice again after not practicing or playing last week following his third head injury in a four-game span. It appears he'll likely be replaced in the starting lineup again by Abram Elam, who returned an interception 92 yards for a touchdown against the Bills.

Tight end Bubba Franks, who injured a hip against Oakland on Oct. 19, also didn't practice in 11-on-11 drills, but spent time on the stationary bike for the second straight day.

Kicker Mike Nugent was limited for the second straight day, and sounded optimistic about being able to play soon. He hasn't played since injuring his right thigh in Week 1 at Miami.

"I'm trying to get out there this week in practice and trying to keep building strength," he said.

Also limited, but expected to play were: wide receivers Laveranues Coles (thigh) and Jerricho Cotchery (shoulder), and linebacker Cody Spencer (shoulder).shoulder

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

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