The Sports Xchange

New York Jets center Nick Mangold refuses to miss his fourth game in 10 years as a starter despite a neck injury.

Mangold said he would have to be “bleeding out” to miss Sunday’s game at Oakland, where the Jets (4-2) are trying to avoid a two-game losing streak. The Jets lost in Week 7 at New England.

Mangold was hurt when he was hit while engaged as a blocker and the injury required x-rays. The decision to play will not be left to Mangold.

“I feel like unless I’m laying there bleeding out, I’ll be able to play,” Mangold said Thursday. “If things happen and I can’t play, I’ll deal with that at that time. Right now, I’m planning on playing.”

Dakota Dozier could start Sunday if Mangold doesn’t.

Head coach Todd Bowles said the Jets are trying to get a more honest appraisal from Mangold before formulating any plan for his return.

The Jets’ other major injury concern is strong safety Calvin Pryor, who was in a walking boot during Thursday’s practice. Pryor injured his ankle Sunday at New England.

Both players were idle during Friday’s practice with Mangold watching workouts from a distance in a backward baseball cap.