Rich Cimini, ESPN Staff Writer 6y

Jeremy Kerley eligible for return ... but not so fast

Wide receiver Jeremy Kerley is eligible to return to the New York Jets after serving a four-game NFL suspension, but hold everything. On Monday, coach Todd Bowles wasn't ready to put out the welcome mat.

"There are things we’re still discussing," Bowles said. "We haven’t come up with that answer yet."

Kerley was entrenched as the No. 3 receiver (22 catches, 317 yards and one touchdown) when he received word that he was being banned four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Without Kerley, the Jets turned to rookie Chad Hansen, who is gaining valuable experience but hasn't come close to replacing Kerley's production. Hansen, a fourth-round pick from Cal, has only five catches for 58 yards in the last four games.

Kerley also returned punts, but that job has gone for JoJo Natson.

With the Jets (5-8) on the verge of postseason elimination, the front office may want to use the last three games to look at young players such as Hansen and fellow rookie wideout ArDarius Stewart. With his job possibly on the line, Bowles needs to win games, so you could understand if he's lobbying for Kerley.

Kerley's status could be impacted by other positions and potential roster moves. With Josh McCown (hand) out for the season, the Jets may sign a third-string quarterback by Wednesday. They also may need to a long-snapper to replace Thomas Hennessy (concussion). As Bowles likes to say, there could be some roster "gymnastics" on the horizon.

That may explain his non-committal stance on Kerley. Asked if Kerley will rejoin the team on Wednesday, Bowles said, "There are things that we have to discuss that we haven’t made decisions on yet. I’ll let you guys know on Wednesday."

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