Derrick

Strait

“He’s a young player, he’s learning,” Head Coach Herm Edwards said of Strait. “He has some moxie about himself. He’s not afraid to tackle. I think we like that about the guy. The more he plays in there, the more comfortable he’ll become playing the position.”

Terrell Buckley will play more often for the Jets in Straight’s absence.

It looks like rookie Justin Miller’s poor first preseason game has knocked him down the depth chart.

Strait fell out of the contention for New York’s nickel job and, in a Bill Belichickian-like move, coach Eric Mangini switched him to free safety. Strait started the Jets’ first preseason game with Erik Coleman out.

Ray Mickens was signed to handle nickel duties. A 2004 third-round pick, Strait has not impressed in two seasons as a Jet.

Strait will likely continue to backup Erik Coleman at free safety, but could be pushed off the roster by impressive rookie Eric Smith.

Terrell Buckley will handle third-down situations if Strait can’t play Sunday.

Strait, who actually started a game for the Jets early this season, has bounced from New York, to Tampa, and now to Chicago. He’ll add depth, most likely at the safety position, where the Bears are hurting.