Santonio Holmes wasn't concerned with personal growth or epiphanies during his league-mandated four-week suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. He was more focused on keeping himself in shape so that he could make a seamless transition upon his return.
Mission accomplished.
Holmes returned to practice for the first time Wednesday, looking every bit like the former Super Bowl MVP the Jets traded in the offseason.
"He looks sharp," Rex Ryan said. "He looks like he hasn't missed a beat."
The Jets will throw Holmes into the fire on Monday night against the Vikings. The plan is to rotate Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery in two-wide receiver formations. Of course, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will use all three wideouts in certain packages.
"I trust (Schottenheimer) enough that he's going to put me in the right place and allow me to make plays for this team," Holmes said.