PITTSFORD, N.Y. — Without mentioning New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith – the player he sucker-punched – by name, linebacker Ikemefuna Enemkpali said he’s sorry and never meant to hurt anyone.

As for joining his new team, the Buffalo Bills, on Thursday, Enemkpali said he’s grateful for a second chance a day after being claimed off waivers.

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has had his reps limited in practice and is unlikely to play in Denver’s preseason opener at Seattle. The Associated Press

In making his first public comments two days after punching and breaking Smith’s jaw during an altercation in the Jets’ locker room, Enemkpali referred only to something that “happened,” spoke for just 45 seconds and declined to take any questions.

“I want to apologize to the Jets organization, the fans, my teammates and the coaches. I apologize for what happened,” Enemkpali said, speaking at a podium placed beneath a goalpost on one of the fields of the Bills’ training camp facility in suburban Rochester.

“It should have never happened. I should have walked away from the situation,” he said. “It was never my intention to hurt anybody.”

The Jets released Enemkpali shortly after the altercation. Smith had surgery on his jaw Thursday and is projected to miss between 6 and 10 weeks.

Turning his attention to the Bills, Enemkpali thanked Coach Rex Ryan and the entire organization.

“I look forward to being a good teammate, an accountable player,” he said. “And I’m just happy to be here, and thankful.”

He then said, “Thank you,” before being escorted away by two Bills officials.

The second-year player arrived at camp earlier in the day and passed his physical.

Though Enemkpali has not yet practiced with the Bills, Ryan is still considering making him active for Buffalo’s preseason opener against Carolina on Friday night.

Ryan pushed for the team to place a claim on Enemkpali, and received approval from General Manager Doug Whaley and new Bills owner Terry Pegula. As the Jets’ former coach, Ryan became familiar with Enemkpali during the player’s rookie season last year.

Though Ryan wouldn’t defend Enemkpali for punching Smith, he called the player a “good teammate” and said he was deserving of a second chance.

Enemkpali could still be disciplined by the NFL for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. He could also face legal charges if Smith pursues them.

BRONCOS: Peyton Manning isn’t expected to play in Denver’s preseason opener at Seattle on Friday night.

Coach Gary Kubiak has been managing Manning’s snaps at training camp, giving the 39-year-old quarterback every few days off to keep his legs and mind fresh.

Manning faded down the stretch last season when he was hobbled by a strained right thigh. He looks fitter, trimmer and more mobile this summer as he adapts to a new offense that has him doing roll-outs and bootlegs, and this week said, “I do feel good moving around out there, arm feels good.”

Another benefit of keeping Manning’s snaps limited is getting a look at backup Brock Osweiler.

Entering his fourth season of his prolonged apprenticeship – and the last year of his rookie contract – Osweiler is getting his biggest chance yet to prove he’s a worthy successor to Manning.

COLTS: T.Y. Hilton finally got the rich contract extension he wanted.

The Pro Bowl receiver agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $65 million, with $39 million guaranteed. Agent Drew Rosenhaus said the deal makes Hilton the NFL’s fourth-highest paid receiver.

In three seasons, Hilton has 214 receptions, 3,289 yards and 19 touchdowns. Last season he had 82 catches and seven TDs, and set a career high with 1,345 yards.

VIKINGS: Adrian Peterson did not practice again because of a bruised thigh.

To hear Coach Mike Zimmer describe his team’s final practice of training camp, none of his other players did, either.

An angry Zimmer cut practice short, had his whole team run a lap and then ripped their lackluster effort as the team broke camp and headed back to the Twin Cities.

“That was a terrible practice,” Zimmer said. “It was not up to my standards and they better get better quickly or there’s going to be a lot of heck going on.”

FALCONS: Cornerback Desmond Trufant has a sprained shoulder and is expected to miss Friday night’s preseason opener against Tennessee.

THROUGHOUT THE preseason and regular season, NFL fields will have gold 50s at midfield to commemorate the 50th Super Bowl, which will be played in February in Santa Clara, California.

Related Stories