Martin says he still wants to play this season

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Jets running back Curtis Martin reiterated Wednesday he wants to play this season, but is unsure when he will be able to return.

The NFL's No. 4 all-time leading rusher said he is working out every day so he can come back as quickly as possible, and is hopeful he can play in the season opener Sept. 10 at Tennessee. But he made no guarantees about when his injured right knee will allow him to resume his career.

"I'm working out as hard as I can," said Martin, resolute as always. "I'm here every single day and probably up here longer than most of the other players because I'm doing extra work. ... I don't know how long it will take me. All I can do is keep working the way I'm doing."

Martin was placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list July 27, the day before training camp opened. He initially got hurt last season and underwent surgery in December to clean out his knee.

Because Martin is known for his ability to play through pain, the move to put him on the PUP list came as a mild surprise. Since then, reports have surfaced that he urged the Jets to take a running back high in the draft, has considered retirement and has virtually no cartilage in his knee.

Instead of dismissing the reports, Martin declined to comment on them.

-- AP