Jets DE Muhammad Wilkerson cleared for practice

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, who fractured his lower right leg in the New York Jets' final regular-season game of the 2015 season, was cleared for practice Tuesday and removed from the physically unable to perform list.

Wilkerson has vowed to be ready for the Sept. 11 season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, and the timing of the move will allow him to play in two preseason games to prepare. He's not expected to play Thursday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the preseason opener for both teams.

Typically, the Jets bring back players slowly, so he probably won't practice fully at the outset.

Wilkerson underwent surgery in early January, the start of a long rehab process. That didn't prevent the Jets from using the franchise tag on the Pro Bowl defensive lineman.

The process turned contentious, but the two sides agreed to a long-term contract (five years, $86 million) on July 15.

Wilkerson, 26, the Jets' first-round pick in 2011, recorded a career-high 12 sacks last season. He rejoins fellow defensive ends Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams, completing the team's talented line.

It leaves two players on the PUP list -- right tackle Breno Giacomini (back) and wide receiver Devin Smith (knee).