Jets counting on Chrebet’s return to form

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. — The headaches and nausea and weakness are gone. The post-concussion syndrome that cost Wayne Chrebet half of last season has disappeared.

Yet Chrebet can’t get onto the field. He hasn’t practiced in two weeks because of a right leg injury and will miss the New York Jets’ final preseason game Friday against Philadelphia.

The slow manner in which Chrebet was moving Monday, gingerly placing his leg to the side as he sat, indicated he might be a long way from returning to the field. Perhaps well beyond the Sept. 12 opener against Cincinnati.

But the longest-tenured Jet, now entering his 10th season, isn’t saying. He never speaks about current injuries, adhering to coach Herman Edwards’ strict policy.

Chrebet does admit to being frustrated, though. After the long battle back from the “scary” health problems of 2003, he was eager to storm into this season.

“I guess all in due time, it will happen,” he said with a smile. “I know what it feels like to be out there and to get hit. You don’t forget.

“Everything in my mind pointed to coming back and chasing that ring. I try not to think about last year. I’d love to be out there, but now I’m just preparing myself as best I can. I had a couple of good weeks of practice, did enough out there to know I am back to my old self.”

The Jets certainly hope so. Chrebet has gone from an undrafted free agent who barely made the preseason depth chart in 1995 to a star in New York. He ranks second in team history to Hall of Fame receiver Don Maynard in career catches with 534; Maynard had 627.

One of the better slot receivers in the league, Chrebet has used toughness, guile, moves and just enough speed to remain a force over nearly a decade. The Jets certainly could use him, because Santana Moss just returned from a hamstring injury, Justin McCareins is new to the team after being acquired from Tennessee, and Jonathan Carter and rookie Jerricho Cotchery are unproven.

“When you’re talking about Wayne, you’re talking about a guy who has been playing in the league a long time,” Edwards said. “He knows when he can play or not. I need to turn to a guy that when he says he can go, he can go.”

For now, all Chrebet can go through is rehab on his leg.