Jets Lose Cornerback Mickens to Torn ACL

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – Jets cornerback Ray Mickens was placed on injured reserve Wednesday with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, while Terrell Buckley was signed to take his place.

Mickens will have reconstructive surgery after a third MRI revealed the damage. He was hurt more than three weeks ago during a training camp practice, but earlier exams were inconclusive because of swelling.

The nine-year veteran, who has missed only two games in eight seasons, was the team’s top nickel back. Last season, he started 14 games when starter Donnie Abraham went down with a shoulder injury and finished with 75 tackles and two interceptions.

“It’s just a shame,” coach Herman Edwards said. “We had a good talk early in my office. He’s down, he was anticipating getting back and helping us. I told him, ‘Ray, the road to recovery is a long one, but if anyone can get it done, you can.’”

Earlier this week, Mickens talked about the prospect of being out for an extended period of time.

“There’s not much I can do,” he said Monday. “That’s the frustrating thing about it. I feel guilty being on the sideline. Nobody makes me feel that way. I just feel that way myself because I’m used to sweating with everybody.”

Buckley, who was released by division rival New England on Sunday, ranks third in the NFL among active career interception leaders with 47. He joins his fifth team, having also played with the Packers, Dolphins and Broncos.

Edwards is not sure whether the 33-year-old Buckley, who is going into his 13th NFL season, will play Sunday in the season opener against Cincinnati. Rookie cornerback Derrick Strait is expected to replace Mickens as the nickel back this weekend.