Coach Eric Mangini said Monday that Smith had appealed. Smith was not in the locker room during player availability for the media Monday, nor did he practice because he currently is on the reserve/suspended list. With Smith out, the Jets were able to activate running back Jesse Chatman, who sat out the Jets' first four games for violating the NFL's policy on steroids and related substances. If Smith's appeal is successful, the Jets would have to make another roster move.

Smith is believed to have suffered a concussion on the play, but Mangini said he expected him to be able to play Sunday against Cincinnati if he is eligible.

"I don't anticipate any medical issues in terms of him playing," the coach said. "It would be more suspension-based."

Abram Elam, who started eight games at safety last season, would seem to be the front-runner to get the start if Smith isn't allowed to play, although Mangini also mentioned David Barrett and Hank Poteat as potential starters.

--The Jets' players returned Monday after a four-day break for the bye week. Strong safety Kerry Rhodes went home to Alabama to visit his mother, for whom he just bought a new house.

"Hopefully, we rectified what we had to get done" during the bye, he said. The Jets' defense allowed 76 points in its two previous games. (One of San Diego's touchdowns came on an interception return.)

Rhodes enjoyed a couple of home-cooked meals, especially the cornbread, but said he still was able to check in at Monday morning's weigh-in at his desired weight of 220 pounds.