Photo from jetstwit.com

Jim Leonhard was officially placed on injured reserve yesterday with a torn patellar tendon. He will undergo knee surgery tomorrow.

Leonhard made his weekly appearance on WFAN today (you can listen to the interview here) and as you an imagine, his season-ending injury was the topic of discussion. Leonhard explained the circumstances that lead to the injury, described the injury situation as being “eerily similar” to what he went through last year before the Jets-Patriots game (He broke his leg in practice, ending his season) and added that he “hopes”  to remain a Jets in 2012 (He is an unrestricted free agent next season).

“Obviously, in my opinion you can’t beat this staff. Love to be here again — and we’ll see how it all plays out.”

There has been a lot of discussion regarding how the Jets will replace Leonhard with only a week to prepare for another must-win game in Philadelphia. Brodney Pool will step in for Leonhard for the remainder of the season and while Pool has the physical abilities, he does not have the intangibles that Leonhard offered the secondary. At least not yet. It will be interesting to see how they adjust in the next two weeks against two pass-heavy offenses, especially with young Tracy Wilson (who replaced Emanuel Cook a few weeks ago) as their third safety.

How they recover from the loss of Leonhard may very well determine Leonhard’s future as a Jet.

Another note on Jimmy : Leonhard and his wife, Katie are expecting their first child (a boy!) within the next 2 weeks. Congratulations!

Quick Notes

Happy Birthday to head coach Rex Ryan, who turns 49 today.

Shonn Greene is a finalist for the FedEx Ground NFL Player of Week after rushing for season-high 129 yds in Sunday’s win over the Chiefs.

Antonio Cromartie told the New York Daily News that the Jets offseason chase of cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is in the past.

“I’m not worried about someone else or what happened.”

One final note : The Texans have released WR Derrick Mason, according to league sources. The Jets will (obviously) not receive a compensatory draft pick for the trade.