The Sports Xchange

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets definitely won’t be bringing their “A” squad to London for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.

Head coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday he didn’t think tight end Jeff Cumberland would play against the Dolphins because the player is still in the league’s concussion protocol. Cumberland was injured late in the fourth quarter of last Sunday’s 24-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

In addition, wide receiver Eric Decker looks likely to miss his second straight game with an MCL injury. Decker, who was injured Sept. 21 against the Indianapolis Colts, did not practice Wednesday.

Right guard Willie Colon and wide receiver Chris Owusu were already declared out. Colon suffered a knee injury Sunday while Owusu underwent arthroscopic knee surgery last week.

Cornerback Darrelle Revis, who was listed as questionable last week with a groin injury and missed the final defensive series of Sunday’s game with a hamstring ailment, was listed as a limited participant in practice Wednesday and is expected to play against the Dolphins.

–A return from London for the Jets means the return of defensive end Sheldon Richardson – probably.

The troubled third-year star will complete his four-game NFL suspension this weekend. Richardson received the ban in July after failing multiple tests for marijuana.

But Richardson’s problems grew deeper later in the month, when it was revealed he was arrested in his native Missouri following a high speed chase in which he allegedly drove as fast as 143 mph. The news broke hours after Richardson reported to training camp and promised the Jets he was done making bad news.

Richardson will almost certainly be subject to additional punishment by the NFL once his legal case is resolved, but it is appearing increasingly likely that will not happen until after the season. He has a hearing scheduled for Monday, the day he is eligible to return to the Jets, but N.J. Advance Media reported Richardson’s attorney has received a 30-day continuance.

Still, given the grief Richardson has given head coach Todd Bowles since the latter took over, it’s difficult to blame Bowles for his lukewarm reaction to Richardson’s impending return.

“As of right now, yes,” Bowles said Monday when asked if Richardson would be back after Week 4.

Regardless of when Richardson returns, Bowles said he will not immediately resume full-time duties.

“He’s got to get in football shape,” Bowles said. “You can’t put a guy out there like that that hasn’t been in pads full-time and expect him to come in and play. Will he get some reps? Yeah, he’ll get a bunch of reps. But you’ve got to make sure he doesn’t get hurt as well.”

–Bowles’ consolation prize following his first loss as an NFL head coach? A brief conversation with his musical idol, Gladys Knight.

The even-keeled Bowles has said numerous times that the only thing that gets him excited is Knight’s music. Prior to the Jets’ 24-17 loss to the Eagles, Knight said she would like to go to a Jets game and meet Bowles.

Well, she accomplished one of the two goals: Knight and her husband attended Sunday’s game, though they got there in the second quarter, at which point the Jets had already fallen far behind.

A day later, Knight surprised Bowles by calling into his weekly radio spot with ESPN Radio in New York City.

“Mr. Bowles!” Knight said. “How are you?”

“Gladys!” Bowles said, displaying the enthusiasm he always said he’d show for Knight. “Oh my gosh. How are you?”

During the brief conversation, Knight said Bowles could join her backup group, The Pips, and that she would perform Bowles’ favorite song – “Where Peaceful Waters Flow” – if the Jets make the Super Bowl.

“I’ll take it,” Bowles said. “You’ve got a deal.”

Notes: Defensive tackle Deon Simon was released by the Jets on Wednesday. … Safety Dion Bailey was acquired off waivers Monday from the Seattle Seahawks. Bailey, whom the Seahawks signed as an undrafted free agent out of USC in 2014, didn’t play last year but started in place of holdout Kam Chancellor. … Safety Ronald Martin was signed to the practice squad Tuesday, one day after he was waived by the Jets. … Cornerback Keon Lyn was released from the practice squad on Tuesday.