New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes expects to play Sunday in a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, after a number of injuries have kept him out of the lineup for the Jets' first two preseason contests. Holmes has battled through bruised ribs, as well as back and hamstring issues, but he feels that he's ready to play on Sunday.

Asked the importance of returning for a preseason game, Holmes said, "I honestly think it would be to get the speed back up and get the feel of the game, try to get my wind back and play behind these guys and hopefully as much as I can do for the team come Sunday, Coach (Ryan) will allow that to happen and we will move forward from there."

Holmes is expected to be Mark Sanchez's No. 1 receiver. He caught 51 passes for 654 yards and eight touchdowns last season while playing in all 16 games.

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