11/28 — One significant piece of housekeeping announced by Eric Mangini at the top of today's news conference is the release of FB Darian Barnes. The Jets signed Barnes in the off-season as an unrestricted free agent to be a big bopper in leading Thomas Jones in the running game.

But that hadn't worked out. Barnes wasn't playing on every down on offense, didn't play special teams, and as a result he was inactive for six of the Jets' 11 games this season, including the last four in a row.

"Darian did a good job while he was here and I wish him well," Mangini said. "The way it worked out is there were other guys in those positions [on special teams]. If you're not considered there on a regular basis, it makes it hard to be active consistently."

No early word on if the Dolphins, hosting the Jets on Sunday, are reaching out to sign Barnes, who played the previous two seasons with Miami.

With backup fullback Stacy Tutt on injured reserve, the Jets have been using their tight ends when they want a big body in front of Jones. Joe Kowalewski got his first pro start vs. Pittsburgh at FB and both Joe-Ko and Jason Pociask lined up or motioned to FB at Dallas.

Mangini also announced a practice-squad switch, releasing CB Manny Collins and signing David Ball — no, not D-lineman Dave Ball, who was with the Jets in 2005-06, but the rookie free agent WR from New Hampshire who had been with the Chicago Bears into the regular season.

The head coach started his news conference off with a reference to Washington safety Sean Taylor, who died Tuesday of a gunshot wound during a burglary at his home.

"He was a great, talented young man, and it's sad when these things happen," Mangini said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to the whole Redskins organization."