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Jets WR Coles has concussion, status vs. Redskins uncertain

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Jets wide receiver Laveranues Coles suffered a concussion against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, and it was uncertain Wednesday if he'll play in New York's game against Washington this weekend.

Coach Eric Mangini addressed Coles' injury during a conference call with Redskins beat writers. Mangini didn't mention Coles in his earlier news conference with Jets writers.

"Any time you have an injury it is scary," Mangini said. "With a guy like Laveranues who is so tough, you have to be careful and make sure you go through the same process that you would go through with every other player. That is what we are doing."

The Jets wide receiver didn't practice on Wednesday and wouldn't address the injury because it's against team policy. Mangini was unsure if Coles will be ready to play Sunday against the Redskins.

"We will go through the process and look at him throughout the course of the week and evaluate him when we get a lot closer to the game," Mangini said.

Coles was injured last Sunday with 7:41 left in the Jets' 13-3 loss to Buffalo when he jumped to catch a pass from Chad Pennington and was immediately hit in the middle of the back by Terrence McGee. Coles' chest and head slammed to the turf and he stayed face-down for several minutes. He was eventually able to walk off the field, but didn't return.

Coles has 42 catches for 473 yards and a team-leading six touchdowns. He hasn't missed a game since his rookie season in 2000, and has a streak of 104 consecutive regular-season games played.

On Wednesday, Coles was on the practice field in green sweats and a Jets cap while the wide receivers went through drills during the half-hour window the media are allowed to watch. He also spoke a few times with Pennington, his good friend who was benched in favor of second-year quarterback Kellen Clemens.

It is believed to be the second concussion the star receiver has suffered in the last 10 months.

Coles was tackled hard by Miami's Zach Thomas during a game last Christmas, a hit that left him motionless on the Dolphin Stadium turf for a few seconds and caused a cut on Coles' head. It was reported that Coles suffered a concussion, but the Jets never verified the injury. The wide receiver was back in the starting lineup the following weekend against Oakland.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press