"Jets coach Rex Ryan may have to wait longer than expected to see star wideouts Plaxico Burress and Santonio Holmes run routes with quarterback Mark Sanchez's offense.

Holmes and Burress, both of whom signed free-agent contracts with the Jets, have been sidelined along with eight teammates who either inked contracts or restructured their deals with the team since the lockout was lifted on July 25. They will not be allowed to practice Thursday unless the players ratify the new collective bargaining agreement.

"It's up to the players," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. "When they ratify the agreement, the league year will start and those with new contracts can begin practicing."

Zak DeOssie, the Giants' assistant players representative, said he was "very optimistic" about the ratification. He called Thursday a "soft deadline."

If ratified, the league year would begin as scheduled at 4:01 p.m. Those Jets players being held out would be able to partake in the final 59 minutes of practice, which is closed to the public. The Giants, who have 12 players sidelined, practice from 6-8 p.m.

Defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka and tailback Ahmad Bradshaw headline that list. Both re-signed with the team.

"It's basically the major hiccup is just working on the benefits and making sure we meet in the middle somewhere there," DeOssie said."