From My Netscape -Abe

[SoFlaJets]

Football

Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005

Jets' Abraham Practices for First Time

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) - Shaun Ellis gave John Abraham a big hug

and hearty welcome when they saw each other for the first time.

``It's good to have you back,'' Ellis told his fellow Jets

defensive end.

Abraham returned to practice Tuesday, one day after signing his

one-year, $6.7 million franchise tender. About the only thing that

was different was his number: Abraham switched from No. 94 to No.

56, taking the jersey from rookie Dennis Haley.

He had always wanted to wear 56 - for his birthday, May 6 - but

it was always taken in his first five years with the team. With his

new number on his back, Abraham had some of his same tricks when it

got time to do some drills.

``He looks good, strong, I know he can run,'' coach Herman

Edwards said. ``We had a good talk about the program we're going to

put him on. He wants to play in the opener, he'll play in the

opener, we'll see how many snaps he can play.''

Abraham won't suit up for the exhibition finale Thursday against

Philadelphia, but is geared up for the opener at Kansas City on

Sept. 11. Bryan Thomas will start at defensive end, with Abraham

probably playing on pass rushing situations.

He said it felt great to be back with his teammates, who gave

him an ovation when he came onto the field.

``I practiced well,'' Abraham said. ``I'm ahead of the game, but

I really haven't been banged around yet.''

That will come. In a moment of levity toward the start of

practice, Abraham emerged from inside the practice bubble onto the

field. Edwards yelled at him to speed it up because he had fresh

legs.

Abraham then crouched over and said, ``I'm tired!''

``Everybody's been in camp for a month, he just showed up,''

Edwards said. ``Next week, he'll hit that period where his legs

will feel tired, but he'll get it back.''

For now, Abraham vowed to put the past behind him.

``I had chips on my shoulder every year,'' Abraham said. ``I'm

tired of all the chips.''