"The Jets' backfield may be short-handed for Thursday night's game against the Broncos. The Daily News first reported on Monday that LaDainian Tomlinson suffered a MCL sprain to his left knee during the 37-16 loss to the Patriots Sunday night. An MRI Monday revealed no serious structural damage.

The veteran running back was injured on a six-yard run with less than two minutes remaining. Tomlinson suffered a sprained MCL to the same knee during the 2007 playoffs. He had just two carries in the Chargers' loss to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game that season.

A source told The News on Monday that Tomlinson's knee felt better after the current injury than it did back in January 2008. With only a couple days to prepare, the cautious approach would be to rest him. Rex Ryan remained hopeful that he would be ready.

"I heard through our trainers that we think he's going to be okay," Ryan said."