Martin Is Jets’ Big Mystery

These days, Curtis Martin seems more like a ghost than a running back.

The No. 4 all-time leading rusher has been squirreled away inside the New York Jets complex at Hempstead, N.Y., rehabilitating his right knee, making it a mystery when he will play again. Even teammates sound confused when asked how their teammate is doing.

“Curtis? I haven’t really talked to him,” said fellow running back Derrick Blaylock. “I really don’t know how he’s feeling right now.”

Then there is Chad Pennington, who said, “I haven’t seen Curtis that much. I’ve been going from meetings to eating back to meetings to rehab. My schedule’s been so full, I haven’t gotten a chance to sit down and talk to him.”

Martin has made one public appearance since he was placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list the day before training camp opened, and there has been no update on his condition or when he could return.

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Three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney sat out the Indianapolis Colts’ morning practice after complaining of a sore shoulder, then was cleared to practice in the afternoon. Freeney participated in some light drills but skipped the team scrimmage that typically ends practice.

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Safety Jason Allen, the first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins, agreed to a six-year contact worth $8 million to $9 million guaranteed.

That leaves former USC quarterback Matt Leinart as the only first-round selection without a deal. Leinart was the 10th pick of the draft by Arizona.