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Maligned Jets QBs hindered by depleted WR group

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- In the wake of more public criticism on the play of New York Jets quarterbacks, coach Rex Ryan must consider a related concern.

Two of the Jets' top wide receivers are on the sideline, injured. That certainly is no help in this week's OTAs for veteran quarterback Mark Sanchez, who threw three interceptions Wednesday, or rookie Geno Smith, who was picked twice.

Wide receivers Santonio Holmes and Stephen Hill, who are expected to be two of the Jets' top three receivers, have missed workouts, and were out during Wednesday's show, as they continued to recover from the injuries they suffered last year.

Holmes, who underwent two surgeries to repair the Lisfranc fracture he suffered last Sept. 30, was expected to miss practices. Ryan said Holmes probably won't be ready to participate in the Jets' minicamp in June.

Hill's absence was the more concerning one. The second-year receiver, who underwent arthroscopic surgery after hurting his right knee against the Jaguars on Dec. 9, said he was fully recovered earlier this month but sat out Wednesday with swelling in the knee.

Clyde Gates, who missed a handful of games last season due to a concussion, has also missed workouts with a hamstring injury while Jordan White, who barely played as a rookie after an injury-plagued collegiate career, was sidelined with an undisclosed ailment.

"We had a good-looking receiving corps that wasn't out there. ... ," Ryan said Wednesday. "It's similar to the issues we had last year. It's about half of what we had last year, when we only had three receivers."