Jets bring back Justin Miller to return kicks

Sports Network | October 27, 2009

Florham Park, NJ (Sports Network) - The Jets have signed kick returner/defensive back Justin Miller in the wake of losing kick returner and running back Leon Washington for the season.

Miller was originally a second-round draft pick of the Jets in 2005 and made a Pro Bowl appearance the very next season as the AFC's kick returner after netting an average of 30.1 yards per return with a pair of touchdowns.

The former Clemson product spent his first four seasons with New York before being waived and subsequently claimed by the Raiders in November 2008. Oakland released Miller earlier this month.

In 98 career games, Miller has returned 147 kickoffs for 3,851 yards, a 26.2- yard average, including five returns for touchdowns while adding 98 total tackles.

Washington was officially placed on injured reserve Tuesday after breaking his right leg in Sunday's win over Oakland. He suffered a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula and had surgery immediately after the game.

The fourth-year pro averaged 24.1 yards on 16 kickoff returns this season while also serving as a change-of-pace back in the running game alongside Thomas Jones.

Washington, who had never missed a game for New York, had amassed 462 yards from scrimmage in seven games this season. He rushed for 331 yards on 72 carries and added 15 catches for 131 yards.