"Rex Ryan confirmed a Daily News report on Monday that LaDainian Tomlinson suffered a MCL sprain to his left knee in Sunday's loss to the Patriots. Although Ryan remained uncertain about Tomlinson's availability for Thursday's game against the Broncos, The News has learned that Tomlinson won't play in Denver. Rookie RB Bilal Powell will be active for the first time this season. (Ryan said that LT would be a game-time decision if he travels with the team on Wednesday).

Tomlinson's injury is similar to the MCL sprain he suffered to the 2007 playoffs.

"It's the same knee," Tomlinson said after practice today. "It's not as serious as the one in the playoff game. The one in the playoff game was pretty significant. This one is not as bad. If the game was Sunday, for sure I know I'd be able to play. Since it's on Thursday, I can't say that I'm going to be able to make it.""