NEW YORK -- The New York Jets placed Pro Bowl kick returner-cornerback Justin Miller on injured reserve Tuesday because of a knee injury.
The speedy Miller, who led the NFL last season in yards per kickoff return, injured his right knee during a 22-yard return early in the second quarter of New York's 20-13 loss at Baltimore on Sunday. He stayed on the turf for several minutes before being helped off the field and taken to the locker room.
The nature and severity of the injury was not immediately known. The Jets were off Tuesday, and coach Eric Mangini is extremely tightlipped when it comes to injuries. Calls and e-mails to the office of Miller's agent, Eugene Parker, seeking comment weren't immediately returned.
It's a disappointing end to the season for Miller, who was making strides at cornerback in training camp before injuring a hamstring in the team's scrimmage at Fordham University on Aug. 5. He didn't play in any preseason games while recovering, but played in the first two regular-season games and had two tackles and two returns for 48 yards.
Miller struggled with pass coverage in his first two NFL seasons, but was selected for the Pro Bowl last season after leading the league with 28.3 yards per kickoff return. He had two returns for touchdowns last season: a team-record 103-yarder against Indianapolis and a 99-yarder at Cleveland.
The Jets' second-round pick in 2005 out of Clemson, Miller holds the team record with three kickoff returns for touchdowns and is already third on the career list for kickoff return yardage with 2,929 yards.
The last several months have been rough for Miller, who was also arrested May 20 and charged with third-degree assault, a misdemeanor, after an early morning fight at a New York City nightclub.
In Miller's absence, the Jets are expected to use Leon Washington, Brad Smith and Wallace Wright as kick returners. Rookie Darrelle Revis has stepped in as the team's primary right cornerback, the spot Miller started at in four games last season.
Also Tuesday, the Jets released offensive lineman Jason Capizzi from the practice squad.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
