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Hutchison article on Abe- expect him next week


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JETS: Abraham set to end holdout

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

BY DAVE HUTCHINSON

Star-Ledger Staff

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Holdout defensive end John Abraham will report to Jets training camp early next week, someone with knowledge of the situation told The Star-Ledger yesterday.

In fact, Abraham, who will sign the one-year, $6.67 million franchise tender offer, may show up on Sunday to participate in the three full days of practice the Jets will have before their final preseason game on Sept. 1 in Philadelphia.

Abraham, a three-time Pro Bowler, could get a few snaps against the Eagles. After the Philadelphia game, Abraham will have nine days with the Jets before their Sept. 11 opener at Kansas City.

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Abraham's agents, Tony Agnone and Rich Rosa, were unavailable for comment.

Abraham, 27, had refused to sign the tender because he wanted a long-term deal or a good-faith promise from the Jets that they wouldn't place the franchise tag on him next season or trade him without his consent.

The Jets, citing Abraham's injury history, wouldn't give in to his demands and have hinted at placing the tag on Abraham again, if necessary. Abraham has missed 23 of 80 regular-season games, two playoff games and nearly all of a third.

Last season, Abraham, who missed the final four games of the regular season and two playoff games with a torn lateral collateral ligament in his right knee, has been criticized for not playing in the postseason.

"He wanted to play but he couldn't move," said Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis, who is close friends with Abraham and speaks with him regularly. "A knee injury for a defensive lineman is crucial. We do a lot of cutting and engaging with the offensive line. You need that knee.

"It's frustrating for me when I hear people call him a quitter. He's not a quitter. He has been a fighter all his life. It's a bad break that he got hurt and got that tag on him. It's totally unfair."

Because Abraham wasn't under contract, the Jets couldn't fine him during his holdout. He had until the Tuesday before the opener to report without losing money. He had threatened to remain out until then but has changed his mind.

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