NEWS » tight end.OLE MISS LOVES TH

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Nick Mangold is getting closer to returning -- slowly but surely.The New York Jets center is questionable to play Sunday against the New England Patriots with a sprained right ankle that has sidelined him the last three games. Coach Todd Bowles announced Friday that no decision had been made on Mangolds status.Its been frustrating and disappointing, not being out there and not contributing, Mangold said. Ive been trying to do everything that I could behind the scenes to try to help out. Its tough. Having gone this long without playing a game isnt fun, so hopefully Ill get back as soon as I can.Mangold was limited for the second straight day, a sign that the ankle is improving. He ran a little Thursday during practice, marking the first time he did so since being hurt against Baltimore on Oct. 23.Mangold, in his 11th season, was asked if the opponent being the Patriots added any sense of urgency to him trying to get back on the field this week.Division opponent, this is the first time that I will have missed the game against them, he said. So, it would be difficult.Having been forced to sit out for an extended period has caused Mangold to consider his playing future. While its uncertain if hell remain with the Jets beyond this season -- hes a $9.075 million salary cap hit next year -- Mangold has no thoughts of retiring anytime soon.If anything, its made me want to play more so I can keep going, because Ive missed being out there, he said. Its probably going to make me linger on longer than my body will want me to. It gives you the thought that, hey, this game could be gone at any moment. So, youve got to enjoy the time that you get out there.He appeared on his way to getting back a few weeks ago, but said he overdid things in his rehabilitation and ended up back in a walking boot. Mangold is feeling better and got some good reps in at practice on Friday.Its been just a gradual process after having the setback that I did, he said. Just trying to get better each day, and its going in the right direction.Wesley Johnson has been solid while filling in for Mangold, who has been stuck on the sideline during games and trying to find a role even though he hasnt been playing. Mangold never missed more than two straight games before this injury.Its been weird, he said. It was tough, the last game (against Los Angeles on Nov. 13), because it was the first home game Ive ever missed. So, going through that whole process and coming into our locker room and being in our stadium, that was a different experience.Mangold has tried to stay out of the way while also being eyes for the coach, eyes for Johnson and those guys where he might see things from the sideline that could help.The games are crazy long when youre not playing in them, he said with a smile. Its definitely a different view. Ill have to look back somewhere down the road to see if Ive learned anything from it, but its definitely been a different experience trying to help out from the sideline and not on the field.Meanwhile, cornerbacks Nick Marshall and Marcus Williams were both ruled out against the Patriots with ankle injuries.Defensive tackle Steve McLendon is questionable with a hamstring issue that limited him at practice Thursday and Friday.Wide receiver Brandon Marshall (foot) and linebacker Bruce Carter (quadriceps) fully practiced after being limited. Carter has missed the last three games with the injury, and Friday marked the first time he was a full participant since he was hurt against the Ravens.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL D.K. Metcalf Youth Jersey . -- There were a lot of firsts for the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. Seattle Seahawks Jerseys . Colin Wilson had two goals and an assist, and Mike Fisher scored a goal and helped set up two others in the Predators 6-4 victory over the Red Wings on Monday night. http://www.seahawksfansofficial.com/marshawn-lynch-jersey/ . -- Whether Jeremy Hill deserves a prominent role in LSUs offence this early in the season is a matter for debate. Steve Largent Womens Jersey . Jordan Lynch, the all-purpose Heisman Trophy finalist from Northern Illinois, failed to make it into that exclusive club. Shaquem Griffin Youth Jersey . -- Bryant McKinnie came out of his stance and lowered his shoulder into a practice squad player, causing a crisp thud to reverberate in the Miami Dolphins practice bubble. OXFORD, Miss. -- Mississippi coach Hugh Freeze has been paying attention to Memphis hot start.The Tigers might have a new coach and new quarterback this season, but Freeze says the 16th-ranked Rebels (2-2) will be tested when Memphis (3-0) comes to town on Saturday night.They put up some crazy numbers offensively and defensively and they are playing very, very good football, Freeze said.Memphis beat Ole Miss last season 37-24 in Memphis, but that was with former coach Justin Fuente, who is now at Virginia Tech, and former quarterback Paxton Lynch, who is now in the NFL.The new-look Memphis program appears just as dangerous.While Ole Miss has had some ups and downs in September, the Tigers havent even been tested. Memphis has won its three games by an average of more than 40 points, including a 77-3 victory over Bowling Green last weekend.Thats made Memphis a tough team to study.I am not sure we have a good sample size, because their games havent been close and they really dont have to show a whole lot, Freeze said. So there are probably some things that we are not seeing.Whats certain is Memphis has the ability to score touchdowns in a hurry under first-year coach Mike Norvell, who was the offensive coordinator at Arizona State before joining the Tigers. Junior quarterback Riley Ferguson has completed 67 percent of his passes for 843 yards, 11 touchdowns and two interceptions this season.I really like this team, Norvell said. I like their attitude, their physicality.Ole Miss will counter with an offense thats averaging 40 points per game. The Rebels built a 45-0 lead last week over then-No. 12 Georgia before settling for the 45-14 victory.Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly said the Memphis defense will provide a challenge.Theyre just all running around, flying to the ball and making plays, Kelly said.ddddddddddddTheyre athletic -- they always have been. Weve just got to make sure we go out and execute.Here are a few other things to watch when No. 16 Mississippi hosts Memphis on Saturday:WATCH OUT FOR ENGRAM: Kellys favorite target this season has been tight end Evan Engram, who has caught 26 passes for 397 yards. Both of those totals are tops in the nation for a tight end.OLE MISS LOVES THE FIRST HALF: The Rebels have outscored opponents 41-6 in the first quarter and 66-27 in the second quarter through four games this season. Theyve been outscored 47-24 in the third quarter and 40-29 in the fourth quarter.REBELS LOOKING FOR PICKS: Ole Miss has just one interception this season, which is tied for last in the SEC. The interception came last weekend against Georgia, when Derrick Jones picked off a pass and ran it 52 yards for a touchdown.MASSIVE MARGINS FOR MEMPHIS: Memphis has had some huge blowout wins over the past two weeks. The Tigers beat Kansas 43-7 on Sept. 17 and then crushed Bowling Green 77-3 last weekend. The 74-point margin of victory for Memphis was the biggest since World War II.ELLIOTT CAN KICK: Memphis senior Jake Elliott could help the Tigers at the end if the game is close. The two-time defending American Athletic Conference special teams player of the year is 5 of 6 on field goals this season and has hit nine field goals of over 50 yards during his career. Hes also made all 162 extra-point attempts over four seasons.-----Follow David Brandt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/davidbrandtAP . AP College Football website: www.collegefootball.ap.org. ' ' '