05/31 — It's not training camp, but it's his full squad back on the field, working together again.

"Yeah, it's exciting to see everybody out there," head coach Eric Mangini said. "It's an exciting time of year."

Mangini has been presiding over the Jets' full-squad OTA sessions, which began with two practices last week and two more this week, but today is the first of four practices open to the media, so the questions began this morning at about 10:15. Among the coach's points:

● Only two veterans on the roster, guard Pete Kendall and running back Curtis Martin, aren't practicing. Martin's retirement is impending, of course, and Kendall has an ongoing contract situation. But Mangini again praised Kendall's work with the young players on the O-line and reminded that "This is a voluntary camp."

● The coach didn't discuss Justin Miller's legal or team situation, saying the matter is "internal." He stressed again, "We philosophically believe personal conduct is very important."

● He praised WR Justin McCareins, who a month ago was being mentioned in media trade rumors. "Justin's had a really good off-season," Mangini said. "He's competing for a place on the team and also competing for where he's going to fit as far as playing time."

● Andre Wadsworth, who's been out of football for six seasons, "is swimming, which is to be expected, being off for such a long time," the coach said. "It's a big jump for him. He's got to learn both linebacker and defensive end."

● He remains "very impressed" with RB Thomas Jones' impressive physique.

● And on a question about OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson's weight, Mangini had his typical smiling response. "Brick and I have worked on our weight together," he said. "Hopefully we're both going in the right direction."

I'll have more from practice in a short while.