New York Jets safety Jim Leonhard questionable for game against Patriots

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - New York Jets safety Jim Leonhard(notes) is questionable for the team's game at New England after being limited in practice Friday with a broken right thumb.

Leonhard, injured in last Sunday's loss to Jacksonville, returned to practice and participated in individual drills as well as some team activities while wearing a cast on his hand.

"It was better than I thought it would be," Leonhard said of practising with the cast. "If I wasn't able to do that today, it would have been very hard to play on Sunday."

Coach Rex Ryan said he'd consult with Leonhard and the team's trainers to see how he feels leading up to the game Sunday.

"If it was up to me, I'd like to be out there," Leonhard said.

Eric Smith(notes) would get the start opposite Kerry Rhodes(notes) if Leonhard can't play.

"He'll definitely want to be out there," Ryan said of Leonhard. "There's no doubt about that, but he also knows how important this game is. If he doesn't think that he can play and isn't up to it, then he knows what we need and he'll be honest. Again, I would not be shocked to see him out there."

Even if he plays, Leonhard will be replaced on punt returns by Jerricho Cotchery(notes). The sure-handed wide receiver last returned punts in 2005 and averaged 7.8 yards a return.

Ryan also ruled out linebacker Vernon Gholston(notes) for the second straight week with a hamstring injury. Gholston was injured in practice last Monday in the team's first workout off the bye-week break.