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          NFL Nation

          Jets rookie Leonard Williams to have MRI on injured knee

          New York Jets defensive tackle Leonard Williams is walked off the field during the first half against the New York Giants. Bill Kostroun/AP
          • Rich Cimini, ESPN Staff WriterAug 30, 2015, 12:20 AM ET
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              Rich Cimini is a staff writer who covers the New York Jets and the NFL at ESPN. Rich has covered the Jets for over 30 years, joining ESPN in 2010. Rich also hosts the Flight Deck podcast. He previously was a beat writer for the New York Daily News and is a graduate of Syracuse University. You can follow him via Twitter @RichCimini.
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          EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Jets rookie Leonard Williams will undergo an MRI exam on Sunday to determine the severity of a knee injury from Saturday night's 28-18 victory over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.

          A postgame X-ray was negative and the initial feeling is that it's bone bruise, not a major injury, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported. Coach Todd Bowles didn't provide any details after the game; the team will wait until the MRI confirms the injury before announcing a diagnosis.

          Asked if he's concerned, Bowles said, "We'll wait until tomorrow and see before I make a judgment on that."

          The Jets' No. 1 pick was injured in the first half and didn't return. He was taken immediately to the locker room. It was unclear how he got hurt, and no one in the locker room was willing to provide details.

          Obviously, it would be a huge blow if Williams is lost for a significant period of time. It would be a double whammy for the Jets, who won't have defensive end Sheldon Richardson for the first four games due to a drug suspension. They're counting on Williams, the sixth pick in the draft, to fill Richardson's spot.

          Williams was having a quiet game when he got hurt, but he flashed his talent last week against the Atlanta Falcons, recording 1.5 sacks (including a safety). If he's sidelined, he probably would be replaced by Leger Douzable or Stephen Bowen.

          Williams' injury came on a night in which the Jets welcomed back Muhammad Wilkerson, who missed the first two games with a pulled hamstring. Afterward, Wilkerson reported that he didn't suffer any setbacks. He started the game and played most of the first half, finishing with three tackles and a half-sack.

          "I'm fine, I just need reps, that's all," Wilkerson said. "I've been getting good reps in practice and I got good reps tonight."

          The Jets were thought to have an embarrassment of riches on the defensive line, but things change quickly in the NFL. Richardson was suspended, Wilkerson got hurt, Wilkerson returned and Williams got hurt. Nose tackle is the only position that hasn't changed. It has been Damon Harrison since Day 1.