Mike

DeVito

A key part of the Jets’ defensive interior, DeVito’s snaps will have to be picked up by NT Kenrick Ellis and DE Marcus Dixon. At 346 pounds Ellis is a massive run-plugger, but his conditioning will be an issue. Dixon, on the other hand, will be playing out of position. The only remaining backup, DE Ropati Pitoitua (knee), is questionable for Sunday. With the line suddenly shook up, Ryan Mathews is shaping up to be an excellent play.

Ryan called Coples the Jets’ new starting left end, but regretted it soon after. “I really can’t tell you (DeVito’s) exact role right now,” Ryan said. “I shouldn’t have said that about Quinton either. ... I can tell you this about Mike DeVito: He is an outstanding football player.” The Jets did recently pay DeVito a $500K roster bonus. He’ll likely be a reserve in 2012.

DeVito has already been paid a $500,000 roster bonus, however, while $950,000 of his $1.56 million pay-cut has been converted to a signing bonus. Also due a $350,000 workout bonus, DeVito’s true lost wages come out to “only” $600,000. DeVito should end up backing up No. 16 pick Quinton Coples at left end.

This would be discouraging news for LeSean McCoy if this year’s No. 1 overall fantasy running back wasn’t matchup-proof. DeVito has been a stud run defender this season, also racking up 25 tackles and a sack through nine starts.

There’s no word yet on the severity or a timetable for a return. One of the league’s underrated run defenders, DeVito graded out as Pro Football Focus’ 10th-rated 3-4 end for the 2011 season.

It’s not clear yet whether it’s a minor sprain or a more serious tear, but coach Rex Ryan isn’t expecting him to be available for the Redskins game this week. It’s a blow to the Jets run defense, as DeVito has excelled this season.

It’s notable because DeVito has emerged as one of the top run-stopping defensive ends in football this year. With rookie Kenrick Ellis getting the start for DeVito last week, Roy Helu touched up the Jets for 100 yards on 23 carries.

DeVito participated in position drills at practice and looks set to play on Sunday against the Bills. With the Jets’ front line likely to be without NT Sione Po’uha, having DeVito in the lineup can only be a good thing.

The same is reportedly true of DE Mike DeVito. Former GM Mike Tannenbaum left the Jets in salary cap hell, so the news is hardly surprising. Retaining Keller is likely of far greater concern than Greene, but ESPN New York agrees with La Canfora’s sources that he’s likely on the way out. It’s going to be a lean year for the Jets in 2013. Even though he’s coming off an injury-prone and ineffective season, interest in the 28-year-old Keller should be strong on the open market.

ESPN New York believes DeVito is the “best bet to stick around” of the Jets’ in-house free agents, but Gang Green is going to have to pay up if he’s truly drawing interest from six teams. It would be unwise to overpay for a player who turns 29 in July and doesn’t play on passing downs.