ESPN New York's Rich Cimini expects a "shake-up at the safety position" for the Jets this offseason.

Cimini believes re-signing free safeties Jim Leonhard and Brodney Pool will be a low priority in free agency. Leonhard tore his right patellar tendon in December, and could be a candidate to begin 2012 on the PUP list.

Jets coach Rex Ryan revealed at his Monday press conference that FS Jim Leonhard's season-ending knee injury is a torn right patellar tendon.

It's the worst possible news, and an injury that clouds the 29-year-old safety's future. He's unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2012 season, and it's possible he'll never play another down. Pro Football Focus rated out Leonhard as just the 22nd best safety in football through the season's first 14 weeks, but he had been playing surprisingly well in coverage. One of the emotional leaders of a defense allowing only 310.1 yards per game, it's a huge loss for the Jets. Ryan has confirmed Brodney Pool will take Leonhard's spot in the starting lineup, but said the Jets will be in the market for safety help.

The New York Daily News' Manish Mehta has confirmed that Jets FS Jim Leonhard is done for the season with a right knee injury.

The exact nature of Leonhard's injury isn't yet known, but a torn ACL is a distinct possibility. The injury couldn't come at a worse time for a Jets team that's gotten back in the AFC playoff race on the back of its defense. The Jets proved they could overcome the loss of their free safety last season, however, when they advanced all the way to the AFC Championship game after Leonhard broke his leg in Week 12. Brodney Pool should take his place in the starting lineup.

Jets FS Jim Leonhard was forced from Sunday's game against the Chiefs with a right leg injury.

Jets FS Jim Leonhard left Sunday's Week 2 game against Jacksonville with a leg injury.

Leonhard pulled up lame, grabbing his calf area after chasing down Jarrett Dillard from behind. It could be as simple as a cramp, but we'll let you know when we get an update.

Head coach Rex Ryan left the door open Saturday when asked if FS Jim Leonhard (broken tibia) would return punts.

Said Ryan, "I would not rule that out. There's a chance. I'm not comfortable right now. I'm not comfortable with that." Rex has quickly changed his mind, as on Friday he told reporters "I'm not going to have Jim [Leonhard] do it (return punts), coming off the injury that he had." Leonhard resuming the punt-return function will largely hinge on rookie Jeremy Kerley's ability to handle the job as a rookie.

Jets FS Jim Leonhard (broken tibia) gained full medical clearance for football drills three weeks ago.

"This week was a definitely a huge breakthrough," Leonhard said. "I felt I could push as hard as I wanted to and not have setbacks." The only Jets safety under contract for 2011, Leonhard expects to have no medical restrictions by training camp.

Jim Leonhard (broken tibia) said that his X-rays came back clean and he will be running Monday.

Leonhard remains on schedule with his rehab. Whenever training camp starts, the Jets' starting free safety figures to be a full participant.

Jets FS Jim Leonhard says he is on schedule in his rehab from a broken tibia.

Leonhard tweeted on Sunday morning, "the leg is doing great. Right on schedule. Can't wait for the season to get here." As previously reported, Leonhard is not expected to return punts in 2011, with Joe McKnight being the most likely candidate to replace him.

The Jets will take FS Jim Leonhard off punt returns this year on the heels of his late-season broken tibia.

Coach Rex Ryan indicated that Joe McKnight is now the favorite to return punts, with Jerricho Cotchery as the fallback option. Cornerback Kyle Wilson, a stellar returner in college, will not be a candidate.

Jets FS Jim Leonhard (broken tibia) expects to begin participation in weight lifting, on-field running, and agility drills in one month.

Leonhard has been running on a treadmill for the past month, and broken bone is close to being fully healed. Leonhard "thinks" he'll be ready if OTAs take place as scheduled, though he concedes it's "not a rush." He'll be fine by training camp.

Jets FS Jim Leonhard (broken tibia) says he's "ahead of schedule" a little more than three months removed from leg surgery.

Leonhard's original timetable was 3-4 months, so he should be getting near 100 percent pretty soon. The 28-year-old safety is entering a contract season in 2011. He racked up 61 tackles and one interception in 11 starts last year.

Jets SS Jim Leonhard will meet with the doctor in a little over two weeks to see how his recovery from a broken tibia is going.

He has yet to start running but has been doing rehab work in the pool with an anti-gravity treadmill and a bike. Though Leonhard said when he comes back "all depends on how his body responds," he's hopeful to be back sometime around mini-camps -- assuming the players aren't locked out at that time.

Jets SS Jim Leonhard's recovery from a broken tibia is expected to take 3-4 months.

Leonhard's goal to be a limited participant in the offseason workout program before nearing 100 percent by OTAs. He should be as good as new by training camp.

The Jets have placed DB Jim Leonhard (tibia) on season-ending injured reserve.

Leonhard fractured his right shin in a freak accident during Friday's practice, but the Jets expect a full recovery for the former Badger in time for 2011. Eric Smith will take over at safety while Antonio Cromartie will handle most punt returns.

Jets S Jim Leonhard will miss the remainder of the season with a broken tibia.

Jets S Jim Leonhard has been ruled out for Week 13 with what the team is calling a "severe" shin injury.

The Jets will roll with Eric Smith and Brodney Pool at the safeties on Monday Night Football. Leonhard has been exploited in coverage this year, so outside of punt returns we're not sure it's a significant loss for New York.