RB Danny Woodhead Waived/Injured

[JohnDeere]

http://www.d2football.com/viewnews.php?id=6669

RB Danny Woodhead Waived/Injured

07/26 — The Jets and GM Mike Tannenbaum have just announced that Danny Woodhead has been waived/injured.

Woodhead, who amassed an NCAA-record 7,962 rushing yards in four seasons for Division II Chadron State in Nebraska, came to the Jets with high hopes and the well wishes of seemingly everybody in the Cornhusker State. Because of his cult status, he was seen talking on the phone on ESPN as the 2008 NFL Draft wound down.

In fact, he was talking to the Jets, who won the race to sign the 5'9", 200-pounder as an undrafted free agent. Through the off-season and on into the first few days of training camp, he was working at RB and on punt returns, making larger veterans miss tackles and showing signs that perhaps he had what it takes to survive in the NFL.

"Danny appears to be an outstanding run talent and he can catch the ball," running backs coach Jimmy Raye told me for the Jets' 2008 Preview Book. "If he can play without the football, he's going to be interesting for the people to watch around the New York area."

In fact, Woodhead got a good look the first day of training camp because veteran RBs Jesse Chatman and Musa Smith both began camp on the Active/Non-Football Injury list.

But in Day 2, Practice 3, with Chatman and Smith both back on the active roster, Woodhead got the ball, was brought down, and had to be helped off the field, first to a tent on the sideline and then to the locker room.

Head coach Eric Mangini, when asked about Woodhead at today's news conference, said the rookie had injured his knee. "I'd say it's not looking good for him to be back anytime soon."

With his status, Woodhead now goes through the waiver process. He would be awarded to the team with the highest waiver priority that claims him. If he goes unclaimed, he would become a free agent.

We'll let you know about developments in Woodhead's status as they become available.