RB Jesse Chatman was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL's policy on steroids and related substances. The Jets still are short-handed at the position with only two true running backs on the roster, Thomas Jones and Leon Washington.

Rookie CB Dwight Lowery, a fourth-round pick from San Jose State, started the opening game against Miami because Justin Miller (dislocated toe) was inactive. Lowery looked sharp, with three pass breakups.

PLAYER NOTES

--TE Chris Baker signed a three-year contract extension through 2012, which, according to the NFL Network, is worth $12.2 million, $9 million of which will be guaranteed if Baker plays on at least 50 percent of the Jets' offensive snaps this season, and is on the roster in early March. If the Jets don't pay the guaranteed money, then he will be a free agent next March. Baker had boycotted voluntary workouts in the spring because he was unhappy with his contract and wanted to renegotiate.

--RB Leon Washington only had touches on offense in the season opener against Miami. His longest run from scrimmage of the 2007 season, a 49-yarder, came against New England.

--CB Dwight Lowery started the opener at right corner and appears likely to start this game as well unless Justin Miller (dislocated toe) makes a quick recovery.

--DE/LB Kenwin Cummings was waived to make room for K Jay Feely, who was signed after Mike Nugent was injured. Cummings was quite impressive in training camp and preseason and the Jets likely will sign him to their practice squad if he clears waivers.

--WR Laveranues Coles missed all four preseason games with a thigh injury, and thus missed valuable time to establish chemistry with Brett Favre. But he is looking better in practice and could be a factor against New England.

--DE Shaun Ellis (hand) is being limited in practice, but he started against Miami and is expected to do so again versus New England.

GAME PLAN: The Jets' rejuvenated rushing attack needs to keep going against the Patriots, thus allowing Brett Favre to have more time in the pocket than he did the last time he faced New England, when he went five of 15 for 73 yards in less than two quarters of action against the Patriots two years ago in a 35-0 Green Bay loss. Similarly, the Jets defense needs to control the Pats ground game and force untested Matt Cassel, making his first NFL start, into unfavorable down and distance situations. The Jets also will try to disguise their coverages as much as possible to take advantage of Cassel's inexperience.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Jets CB Darrelle Revis vs. Patriots WR Randy Moss. Revis is the Jets' best corner and consistently draws the opponent's most dangerous receiver, which he did on opening day by limiting Ted Ginn Jr. to two receptions for 17 yards. He also outleaped the Miami wideout for the clinching interception in the corner of the end zone. Even without Tom Brady at QB, the Patriots certainly will attempt to go to Moss.

Jets WR Jerricho Cotchery vs. Patriots CB Ellis Hobbs. Cotchery has quickly become Brett Favre's favorite receiver, and he showed "deceptive speed," according to Favre, on his 56-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter against Miami. Cotchery totaled 12 receptions in the Jets' two losses to New England last season.

Jets C Nick Mangold vs. Patriots NT Vince Wilfork. Wilfork has been a disruptive force against the Jets, and his presence in the middle is a major reason why Thomas Jones had only 61 yards rushing on 23 carries in the two meetings last season. Mangold needs to handle him one-on-one at least some of the time for the Jets' running game to be more productive this time.

INJURY IMPACT: CB Justin Miller (toe) is again a question mark for Sunday, and rookie Dwight Lowery could again start at right corner. Lowery obviously is less experienced than Miller, but has better technique. WR Laveranues Coles (thigh) didn't appear limited against Miami, but still doesn't look to be totally in synch with new QB Brett Favre, which could mean more throws toward Jerricho Cotchery. Jay Feely replaces Mike Nugent (thigh) on placekicks.