FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Tony Richardson wasn't an ex-Jet for long.
Coach Rex Ryan said the veteran fullback will be re-signed by New York on Tuesday, two days after the popular player was released in what was initially viewed as a cost-cutting move.
Richardson will be added to the 53-man roster, Ryan said Monday, and play in the season opener against Baltimore next Monday night.
"I just said, 'Let's get him in, quick,"' Ryan said. "The thing is, we felt pretty confident we could get T-Rich back, but there's still the possibility that somebody gets him and convinces him (to go elsewhere). We had to get this deal done quick, and that's what we did."
Richardson's release Sunday and subsequent re-signing was connected to Darrelle Revis' situation. The Jets needed depth at the cornerback position, not knowing when -- or if -- Revis would end his contract holdout, so they kept undrafted free agent Brian Jackson.
Once Revis agreed to a four-year deal late Sunday night, the Jets knew they could drop a cornerback and bring back Richardson. Jackson was released later Monday.
The Jets also signed center Robby Felix, linebacker Ricky Foley, linebacker Josh Mauga, wide receiver Larry Taylor, defensive lineman Martin Tevaseu and defensive back Donovan Warren to the practice squad.
The Jets will have to make another move when Revis is added to the active roster. He is currently on the reserve-did not report list, and the team received a two-game roster exemption for Revis. He doesn't count against the 53-man roster, but can still practice. Revis will come off the list at some point before the season opener, and the Jets will make a corresponding roster move.
The move to cut Richardson, 38, on Sunday was surprising because Ryan repeatedly said the team would go with two fullbacks to help the Jets' run-heavy offense.
Richardson was also routinely praised as one of the lone leaders on a young unit, with Ryan even stating his case to general manager Mike Tannenbaum to keep the fullback on the last episode of HBO's "Hard Knocks."
He will be back now to mentor John Conner, the hard-hitting fifth-round pick who's nicknamed "The Terminator."
"I felt confident that we could get Tony back at some point," Ryan said. "That point is 24 hours later."
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
