FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Nick Mangold is getting closer to returning -- slowly but surely.The New York Jets center is questionable to play Sunday against the New England Patriots with a sprained right ankle that has sidelined him the last three games. Coach Todd Bowles announced Friday that no decision had been made on Mangolds status.Its been frustrating and disappointing, not being out there and not contributing, Mangold said. Ive been trying to do everything that I could behind the scenes to try to help out. Its tough. Having gone this long without playing a game isnt fun, so hopefully Ill get back as soon as I can.Mangold was limited for the second straight day, a sign that the ankle is improving. He ran a little Thursday during practice, marking the first time he did so since being hurt against Baltimore on Oct. 23.Mangold, in his 11th season, was asked if the opponent being the Patriots added any sense of urgency to him trying to get back on the field this week.Division opponent, this is the first time that I will have missed the game against them, he said. So, it would be difficult.Having been forced to sit out for an extended period has caused Mangold to consider his playing future. While its uncertain if hell remain with the Jets beyond this season -- hes a $9.075 million salary cap hit next year -- Mangold has no thoughts of retiring anytime soon.If anything, its made me want to play more so I can keep going, because Ive missed being out there, he said. Its probably going to make me linger on longer than my body will want me to. It gives you the thought that, hey, this game could be gone at any moment. So, youve got to enjoy the time that you get out there.He appeared on his way to getting back a few weeks ago, but said he overdid things in his rehabilitation and ended up back in a walking boot. Mangold is feeling better and got some good reps in at practice on Friday.Its been just a gradual process after having the setback that I did, he said. Just trying to get better each day, and its going in the right direction.Wesley Johnson has been solid while filling in for Mangold, who has been stuck on the sideline during games and trying to find a role even though he hasnt been playing. Mangold never missed more than two straight games before this injury.Its been weird, he said. It was tough, the last game (against Los Angeles on Nov. 13), because it was the first home game Ive ever missed. So, going through that whole process and coming into our locker room and being in our stadium, that was a different experience.Mangold has tried to stay out of the way while also being eyes for the coach, eyes for Johnson and those guys where he might see things from the sideline that could help.The games are crazy long when youre not playing in them, he said with a smile. Its definitely a different view. Ill have to look back somewhere down the road to see if Ive learned anything from it, but its definitely been a different experience trying to help out from the sideline and not on the field.Meanwhile, cornerbacks Nick Marshall and Marcus Williams were both ruled out against the Patriots with ankle injuries.Defensive tackle Steve McLendon is questionable with a hamstring issue that limited him at practice Thursday and Friday.Wide receiver Brandon Marshall (foot) and linebacker Bruce Carter (quadriceps) fully practiced after being limited. Carter has missed the last three games with the injury, and Friday marked the first time he was a full participant since he was hurt against the Ravens.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL NFL Jerseys China Good Quality .com) - The game was all punts and field goals before Kodi Whitfields catch. Stitched NFL Jerseys . Its 1987 and a Brazilian playmaker, known as Mirandinha, is being paraded around St James Park to the passionate Newcastle fans. http://www.authenticstitchednfljerseys.com/ . Nine days before the opening ceremony, organizing committee chief Dmitry Chernyshenko said Wednesday that Sochi is "fully ready" and will deliver safe, friendly and well-run games that defy the grim reports that have overshadowed preparations. Cheap Jerseys Fast Shipping .ca! Hi Kerry, Heres an interesting one. I know its common knowledge that all players are responsible for their sticks. We witnessed that when Zack Kassian hit Edmontons Sam Gagner in the face after a missed check. Cheap Jerseys From China . At a Manhattan federal court hearing, attorney Jordan Siev said his law office has gotten more evidence nearly every day to support its lawsuit accusing MLB and Selig of going on a "witch hunt" to ruin Rodriguezs reputation and career. He said the defendants went "way over the line.SALVADOR, Brazil -- Neymar and Mario Balotelli will be attracting most of the attention when Brazil and Italy play to decide the Group A winner at the Confederations Cup on Saturday. The strikers are two of the tournaments biggest stars and have played up to expectations so far, scoring two goals each in the first two matches. Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said Friday it will be "nice to see them together" when the teams play in the northeastern city of Salvador. Brazil and Italy have already secured a spot in the next round. The group winner will probably avoid Spain in the semifinals of the warm-up tournament, although both coaches are downplaying the significance of delaying a matchup against the World Cup champions. There was a lot of hype surrounding Neymar and Balotelli ahead of the Confederations Cup, and they have been decisive for their national teams so far. Balotelli scored a remarkable winner when Italy defeated Mexico 2-1 in its opener last Sunday, then converted a penalty kick that helped the Italians edge Japan 4-3 on Wednesday. "Balotelli is a great player and he has been showing his qualities when plays for the Italian national team," Brazil defender Daniel Alves said. "We will need to stay on alert the entire match to be able to defend well against him." Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari also loudly praised the Italian striker. "He is a very good player, very good," Scolari said. "We are preparing ourselves to play against him, we need our defenders to be on alert. He is extraordinary, I would love to have him playing with us here in Brazil." Neymar netted an outstanding goal from outside the area to open the scoring in Brazils 3-0 rout of Japan in the tournaments opening match last Saturday, then had another remarkable strike to put the hosts on the board first in the 2-0 victory over Mexico on Wednesday. The newly signed Barcelona forward also set up the second goal against Mexico after a nifty move past two Mexican defenders inside the area. "The problem with Neymar, as with all great players, is that you cant stop him just by marking well," Prandelli said. "You need to do a good job limiting the spaces." Neymar said he became friends with Balotellii after Brazil played Italy to a 2-2 draw in a friendly in Geneva earlier this year.dddddddddddd Brazilian media even reported that the players are planning to travel together in Brazil after the end of the competition. "Im a fan of Balotelli," Neymar said recently. "He is one of the greatest in the world. Ive always watched him play. He is a great person and Ive always admired his moves." Brazil and Italy have won nine World Cup titles together. Two of the five Brazilian titles came in finals against the Italians -- in 1970 and 1994. Friday marked 43 years of the 1970 World Cup title. "Its a classic in world football," Brazil midfielder Hernanes said. "These are two of the most traditional national teams in the world. Its always a match with a lot involved, with a lot of tradition." Brazil and Italy are tied with six points atop Group A, but the hosts are ahead on goal difference and can secure first place with a draw on Saturday. Italy has to beat Brazil to likely avoid Spain, which is leading Group B. "We are not thinking about Spain at all," Prandelli said. "If we have to play Spain, we will talk about it later." Although Neymar and Balotelli are set to start on Saturday, both teams will be without key players for the match at the Arena Fonte Nova. Italy will miss star midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who is nursing a strained right leg muscle, adding to Prandellis problems in midfield. The coach also wont be able to count on Daniele De Rossi, who is suspended after receiving two yellow cards. Scolari will be without defensive midfielder Paulinho because of a left ankle sprain sustained in the match against Mexico. Doctors said the injury is not serious but the player will be left out so he can fully recover ahead of the semifinals. Chelsea defender David Luiz sustained what the Brazilian federation called a "minor fracture" in his nose after being hit in the face against Mexico, but he is set to play on Saturday despite the injury. Scolari said he may replace Daniel Alves and captain Thiago Silva because they already have received yellow cards, and theres also a possibility the coach will rest playmaker Oscar, who has played a lot with Chelsea this season. ' ' '