While the Jets technically had an extra 24 hours to get C.J. Mosley ready to return for Monday's 8:15 p.m. matchup with the Cleveland Browns after a groin injury in the past weekend's 17-16 loss against the Buffalo Bills, the clock was ticking on the linebacker's decision, which came Saturday.
After the team took Friday off, New York resumed practice Saturday and in the afternoon ruled the linebacker -- as well as defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (sprained left ankle) -- out for Monday's game.
Mosley, who sat out the week while he worked his way back, needed to get back on the field Saturday or else he would jeopardize his status for Monday.
"I have (gone the week without practice but still played in the game) before," Mosley said. "But I just found out (Friday), based on NFL rules, if I don't practice tomorrow, I won't be able to play," Mosley said. "So I'm just going to see how it feels and I've got to be smart about the situation because we know it's early in the season. I'd rather be able to go out there and perform at a high level than go out there and, the worst-case scenario, re-injure myself."
Mosley headlined the Jets' bright spots in the team's season opener, totaling six tackles and a first-quarter interception returned 17 yards for a touchdown to put New York on top of the Bills by an early 6-0 lead.
The third-quarter injury hampered Mosley's Jets debut, though, sidelining the four-time Pro Bowl selection for the rest of the Bills game's second half.
"Yeah, I pulled a hamstring before -- like, two years ago," said Mosley, who later added that his pulled groin "felt a little different" than past injuries because he was unable to plant and drive. "I missed a game or two. Yeah, I had a few nicks, here and there.
"So like I said, with a muscle strain, it's always different because it'll all depend on the grade of the pull or how severe it is and where it is. So like I said, it's just -- you've got to treat it as much as you can and have a game-time decision."
Earlier in the week, a source told SNY's Ralph Vacchiano that the Jets expected Mosley to play in Monday's game against the Browns.
Head coach Adam Gase said Friday that Mosley and Williams were "fast healers" and hopeful to return dependent on the rest of the weekend's progression.
Mosley and Williams join quarterback Sam Darnold (mononucleosis) among the inactives on an already injury-ravaged Jets roster while running back Le'Veon Bell (shoulder soreness) is listed as questionable but cleared to play.
But if Mosley could have taken the decision into his own hands, he knew what the result would have been for Monday.
"My plan the whole week has been to get ready for Monday to play," Mosley said. "So far, everything's been smooth with my rehab and everything.
"So like I said, with pulling anything like that, you've just got to play it day by day. I expect to play, but if my body's not there, I won't be able to."