Cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who started a media firestorm two weeks ago when he called himself the "second best wide receiver" on the New York Jets, worked with the receivers in position drills for the first time on Monday.
Cromartie practiced route-running and took coaching from offensive coordinator Tony Sparano and WRs coach Sanjay Lal.
"It's fun," Cromartie said about working out at wide receiver. "It's an opportunity to get the ball in your hands. It's another challenge."
Cromartie said he's been asking for a chance to play wide receiver since his rookie year in San Diego, adding he also asked the offensive coaches to give him a chance at the position.
"The begging paid off," he said laughing.
When asked what he thought finally made the difference, Cromartie replied, "new coordinator."
Cromartie has been getting input from WR Santonio Holmes. He said Holmes has helped him mostly with route-running technique. It's a smart strategy, getting expertise from a veteran wide receiver.
It's clear this is not a ploy by the coaching staff. The Jets' receiving corps has been riddled with injuries since OTAs.
Currently, Holmes is dealing with pulled rib cartilage, Jeremy Kerley has a pulled hamstring, Chaz Schilens had a pulled hamstring and recently tweaked an ankle, leaving only rookie WR Stephen Hill and third-year veteran Patrick Turner healthy.
"I've been waiting for this opportunity for a long time to play both ways in the NFL," Cromartie said.
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