RB Woodhead makes team as Jets finalize 53-man roster

NEW YORK — Running back Danny Woodhead made the New York Jets’ roster after the team got down to the NFL’s 53-player limit Saturday.

Fullback Jehuu Caulcrick and linebacker Kenwin Cummings were among the 19 players cut by coach Rex Ryan, while wide receiver Aundrae Allison was placed on injured reserve with an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee.

“I don’t really think this is our final roster, but certainly it is today, so we’ll see what happens,” Ryan said. “Maybe on Tuesday, there’s a possibility our roster could look different.”

As expected, linebacker Calvin Pace and defensive end Shaun Ellis were placed on the reserve-suspended list. Pace will miss the first four games without pay after violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances, while Ellis will sit out the regular-season opener at Houston as a result of a marijuana arrest last November.

Other notable cuts were: tight ends Kevin Brock, Kareem Brown and Jack Simmons, wide receiver Marcus Henry and offensive lineman Stanley Daniels. Players on the bubble who made the team include: linebackers Larry Izzo and Brandon Renkart, cornerback Drew Coleman and defensive end Ropati Pitoitua.

The 5-foot-9, 195-pound Woodhead made a strong case to make the team after running for 158 yards and two touchdowns in the preseason finale against Philadelphia on Thursday night.

“It’s very exciting, but it is something I planned on doing,” Woodhead said. “I never expected to not make the team. You can’t really not expect to make the team or doubt yourself, so I am excited for the season.”

Already a fan favorite, the former NCAA career rushing leader spent last season on injured reserve because of a knee injury.

“I think Woodhead earned that spot,” Ryan said. “I don’t know what he could’ve done more in trying to claiming a job. I thought the guy did a tremendous job for us.”

The Jets have four running backs with Woodhead, Thomas Jones, Leon Washington and rookie Shonn Greene, along with veteran fullback Tony Richardson. It was believed Woodhead was kept over Caulcrick, who could’ve given the team some depth at fullback.

Ryan said Woodhead was on the bubble until his big game against the Eagles. He also reiterated that the team’s roster could change before the season opener, leaving the door open for the possibility that Woodhead’s spot is still somewhat tenuous.

“If Gale Sayers gets cut and somebody lets that happen, you might consider picking another guy up off a roster,” Ryan said. “With our current roster the way it was, I thought he was a guy who definitely deserved to be on it.”

Izzo, signed in the offseason to help on special teams, impressed Ryan with his ability on defense and appeared to get the nod over Cummings, who tied for the team lead with 18 preseason tackles. The 34-year-old Izzo is a three-time Pro Bowl selection as a special teamer, who has also played with Miami and New England.

“During his entire NFL career, he has never been on a losing team,” Ryan said. “So, let’s hope that trend continues.”

Ryan said the team will be looking at other players who are cut by other teams, especially punters. Reggie Hodges has looked shaky at times in the preseason, but the Jets haven’t found anyone as of yet to overtake him.

“Right now, he’s our punter,” Ryan said. “Does that mean he’s definitely going to be our punter for the whole season, I’m not sure. … That’s not exactly a glowing recommendation, but you know me. I’m just speaking the truth. We’ll be looking at that, monitoring that situation.”

The other players cut were: cornerback Rashad Barksdale, fullback Brock Christopher, safety Emanuel Cook, wide receiver Britt Davis, kicker Parker Douglass, running back Anthony Kimble, defensive linemen Matt Kroul and Ty Steinkuhler, offensive tackles Nevin McCaskill and Ryan McKee, center Michael Parenton and defensive end Zach Potter.

“This is what’s tough because there’s guys that we cut that can play, there’s no doubt,” Ryan said. “Whether we get certain players on the practice squad or not, we’ll have to wait and see.”