RB Jesse Chatman has returned after being suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL's policy on steroids and related substances, but has played almost exclusively on special teams. SS Eric Smith regained his starting job at Oakland after serving a one-game NFL-imposed suspension against Cincinnati. Abram Elam started against the Bengals and played well but again was in a reserve role versus the Raiders.

PLAYER NOTES

--LG Alan Faneca played well against Oakland in terms of run blocking, but he allowed one sack, committed a false-start penalty and had a holding penalty that was declined.

--WR Laveranues Coles didn't practice because of a lingering head injury from the Oakland game after he was driven headfirst into the ground late in the contest. Mangini wouldn't confirm or deny if Coles has a concussion, but he has had one each of the last two seasons.

--CB Justin Miller apparently has recovered from his toe injury. He was listed as probable before the Oakland game and wasn't on the injury report Wednesday. Evidently he isn't playing because of the decision of the coaches, not because of medical reasons.

--WR David Clowney, who is recovering from a fractured clavicle, is off the injury report and could see his first action of the regular season against Kansas City on Sunday.

--K Mike Nugent (thigh), who was injured opening day and has missed five straight games, will miss another one. He has been ruled out for the Kansas City contest.

GAME PLAN: Unlike Oakland, the Chiefs don't have very talented cornerbacks, so the Jets should be able to crank up their passing offense and get Brett Favre out of his two-game slump in which he has one touchdown and four interceptions. Kansas City is last in the NFL in scoring and the Chiefs will again be without RB Larry Johnson, who sat out Sunday's loss to Tennessee for violating team rules is being investigated for an off-the-field incident at a club. Unheralded Kolby Smith is likely to start. Expect the Jets defense to bring a lot of pressure against third-string QB Tyler Thigpen, making his second NFL start.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Jets NT Kris Jenkins vs. Chiefs C Rudy Niswanger. Niswanger, in his third season, has the unenviable task of trying to block Jenkins. Oakland's Jake Grove was able to handle Jenkins one-on-one some of the time, which prevented Jenkins from disrupting as many running plays. Kolby Smith, expected to start in place of the benched Larry Johnson (disciplinary), needs all the help he can get.

Jets TE Dustin Keller vs. Chiefs FS Jarrad Page. With the Jets' wide receivers banged up and starting TE Chris Baker (back) also hurting, the talented rookie could be poised for a breakout game. The 6-foot-2, 248-pound Keller has the speed to get downfield as well as the size to outmuscle smaller defensive backs. Page is 6-0, 225.

INJURY IMPACT: WR David Clowney (clavicle) appears ready to get back on the field. He hasn't played since being injured in preseason, but could provide the Jets with some much-needed speed on the offensive perimeter. That would be especially important this week, considering that starting wideouts Jerricho Cotchery (shoulder) and Laveranues Coles (possible concussion) both are banged up.

Jay Feely again will fill in for Mike Nugent (thigh) on placekicks. Feely is 8-for-10 on field-goal attempts, including a 52-yarder to send the Oakland game to OT.

Backup TE Bubba Franks (hip) didn't practice Wednesday and may miss Sunday's game. The Jets are well-stocked at the position, although starter Chris Baker (back) was limited Wednesday.

RT Damien Woody (calf) didn't practice Wednesday. If he can't play Sunday, he likely would be replaced by Wayne Hunter, who has never started an NFL game.