JET NOTES

There is a growing concern among Jets’ coaches and some players about the fact that receivers Santana Moss and Wayne Chrebet will enter the final preseason game, next Friday against the Eagles, without having played a down in the preseason.

Neither Moss, who’s nursing a tender hamstring, nor Chrebet, who has fluid in his knee from what was initially a quadriceps injury, is expected to play against the Giants tonight at Giants Stadium.

That’ll make three preseason games in which neither will have played. And, there’s no guarantee either will play next week.

Chad Pennington is coming to terms with the possibility that he and Moss and Chrebet might not get a chance to get their timing down in a game before the regular season starts.

“What we can do is work hard the next two weeks of practice after the Giants game,” Pennington said. “My guys need to get out there with me, and they will be. We need to get our timing down and feel comfortable with each other going into the season. Nobody wants to be out here more than those two guys. It’s important for us to have that confidence in each other.”

Herman Edwards is concerned about a similar thing happening to Moss that happened to Curtis Martin a year ago after having very few touches in preseason.

“The receivers need a little bit of practicing,” he said. “Santana hasn’t participated in a game. Curtis the last two years didn’t carry ball in some games and was a little rusty going into the regular season. I’ve learned that lesson.”

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Edwards continues to praise Ian Smart, who’s flashed as a potential solid kickoff and punt returner this camp. The problem appears to be no room on the roster for him, something Edwards seemed to be greasing the skids for while talking him up to a potential other team to sign Smart.

“This is a tough spot to be in as a running back here all of a sudden,” Edwards said.” There are some guys back there that have had good camps.”

Translation: Look for Johnathan Reese to make the roster this year, after having run so well in preseason.

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No Quincy Carter tonight. He’ll continue to study and play a small role next week. “We anticipate [Carter will play next week [against the Eagles],” Edwards said. “Next week we’ll give him a little package in the offense. It’ll be fun to see him run around and play.”