knee all season and it affected him coming in

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Stephen Hills disappointing second season is officially over. The New York Jets placed the wide receiver on injured reserve Friday with an ailing left knee that has swelled during the last few weeks. The speedy Hill had just 24 catches for 342 yards and a touchdown in what many expected could be a breakout year. Instead, Hill dealt with the balky knee all season and it affected him coming in and out of breaks on routes. "He just wasnt right for the last couple of weeks," coach Rex Ryan said Friday. "He would gut through it and he could go out and participate, but he just wasnt the same guy. This wasnt the guy that we drafted that, ran the 4.25 time in the 40." A second-round pick out of Georgia Tech last year, Hill had one catch for 2 yards in his last four games. He sat out the Jets 37-27 win against Oakland last Sunday. "I didnt think it was going to end this way," Hill said. "I thought I was going to ride it out until the end of the season, but coach noticed that things werent right and he didnt want to mess me up for future things." The Jets elevated wide receiver Saalim Hakim, the younger brother of former NFL receiver Az-Zahir Hakim, from the practice squad to take Hills spot on the roster. Ryan indicated Hakim could help on kickoff returns. Hill, the 13th Jets player to be placed on IR, said there are no plans for him to have surgery on the knee, adding he needs to strengthen the muscles around it. However, Ryan wasnt sure about that. "I think right now, its about resting and getting off his legs and treatment and things before you do surgery," Ryan said. "Is surgery an option? Im not sure. Certainly, I would think thats a possibility." Its the second straight season Hill has seen his season end early because of a knee issue. Last year, he missed the final three games after spraining the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee and needed surgery. Ryan also indicated that both of Hills knees had swelling during the season. "Theres obviously something going on in both his knees," Ryan said, "but its not like its an ACL or something like that. But again, I would not rule out surgery." Hill said his knee is "actually getting better" and doesnt feel pain, but rather stiffness that impacted his production. "I think it did a little bit, especially later on (in the season)," Hill said. "Ive been doing a lot of pounding on it, so it did a good amount later on." Hill said general manager John Idzik told him to make sure he remains in meetings because the team has "a plan" for him. "Im kind of happy for my future now because I know that things will definitely get better, especially with the strength around my knee," Hill said. "Im just taking this as a positive stepping stone and trying to move on." NOTES: CB Antonio Cromartie was listed as questionable for the game at Carolina after being limited in practice for the second straight day while he continues the NFLs concussion protocol. He was injured when he collided with teammate Ed Reed last Sunday against Oakland. Ryan said Cromarties availability Sunday could be a game-time decision. ... TE Kellen Winslow (knee) was limited in practice, but was expected to play. WR Santonio Holmes (foot, hamstring) was a full participant after being limited the previous two days. Adam Frazier Pirates Jersey . Since coming to the big leagues in late May, La Stella is 6 for 7 with the bases loaded, driving in 13 runs in those at-bats. Willie Stargell Pirates Jersey . -- Chris Crawford hit a 3-pointer with 1:36 left to put Memphis ahead to stay, and the 21st-ranked Tigers beat seventh-ranked Louisville 72-66 Saturday, sweeping the season series from the Cardinals. http://www.pittsburghpiratesprostore.us/Gregory-Polanco-pirates-jersey/ .Y. -- Florida Panthers captain Ed Jovanovski finally has something to show for all the pain he went through in overcoming a string of injuries that kept him sidelined for much of the past two years. Starling Marte Jersey .com) - Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll knows about life in the NFL from other stints around the league. Roberto Clemente Jersey . Just ask last seasons Supporters Shield winners, the New York Red Bulls, who were resoundingly defeated last weekend by a rampant Vancouver Whitecaps in a match which produced two contenders for MLS Goal of the Week from Sebastian Fernandez and Pedro Morales. MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Bucks hired Jason Kidd as coach on Tuesday after completing a deal with the Brooklyn Nets. The Bucks sent the Nets two second-round picks for Kidd, who went 44-38 in his only season as Brooklyn coach. Milwaukee fired Larry Drew on Monday after reaching the deal for Kidd. Drew went 15-67, the worst record in the league, in his only season guiding the Bucks. "Jason is a determined leader, a tough-minded competitor and a great teammate,&" Bucks owners Wesley Edens and Marc Lasry said in a statement.dddddddddddd Kidd became available after seeking greater power within the Nets, the organization he led to its greatest NBA success as a player. When that was denied, the team granted him permission to speak to other teams. The Nets could move quickly to replace Kidd. General manager Billy King met with former Memphis coach Lionel Hollins on Monday and planned to talk to him again Tuesday. ' ' '