New York Jets cornerback Dee Milliner has stated that he is hopeful of making a return to the team by the first week of the new campaign.
Milliner limped out of Jets practice on Sunday after injuring his ankle, and despite heavy swelling, the team believe that the problem is a sprain rather than a break.
The 22-year-old played down the problem when he spoke to reporters on Monday, suggesting that he will be back within a month.
He said: "It hurt and I was in a lot of pain at the time. I don't know exactly how long until I practice again, but hopefully I'll be playing in Week One.
"There's a lot of swelling so I don't know if it's a high or low sprain yet, but there's no break. It's a minor setback.
"It's frustrating because I want to be out on the field and be involved. I'm cautious not to rush it but I'll do exactly what the trainers tell me."
The injury was the second setback of that particular practice session for the Jets, with rookie Dexter McDougle tearing knee ligaments just 30 minutes before Milliner went down.
