Free agent NT Sione Pouha is still experiencing complications from last year's back injury, and may never play again. Pouha, 34, was a very effective run-stuffing nose tackle in 2011, but he battled back problems all of last season. The Jets released him in March, and there was some uncertainty on whether he'd need further surgery.

Jets released NT Sione Pouha. The move sheds $4.9 million in base salary and takes the Jets off the hook for Pouha's $100,000 offseason workout bonus, as well. It also clears $3.8 million in sorely needed salary cap room. Pouha was a highly effective run stopper as recently as 2011, but experienced chronic back issues in 2012 and got pushed around on the field. He's now 34 years old. Pouha could make sense as a reclamation project in Baltimore, where the Ravens need nose tackle help and Dean Pees runs a defense similar to Rex Ryan's.

The Jets can save $3.8 million by releasing NT Sione Pouha. Due $4.9 million, Pouha is currently set to count $6.2 million against the cap. Releasing Pouha isn't the no-brainer parting with ILB Bart Scott, OLB Calvin Pace and OT Jason Smith will be, but likely something the cap-strapped Jets will think long and hard about. One of the leauge's very best defensive tackles in 2011, the 34-year-old Pouha's play sagged in 2012 as he fought through a back injury.

Jets NT Sione Pouha will not need offseason back surgery. Pouha underwent an MRI after the season, but it was determined that rehab is the best option right now. The soon-to-be 34-year-old played in 12 games this past season, but his snaps were severely limited due to the injury. Pouha is due $4.9 million in 2013.

Jets NT Sione Pouha (back) will undergo an MRI next week to determine if he needs offseason surgery. Pouha, 34 in February, has battled back issues since training camp and was forced to miss the entire preseason and four regular season games in 2012. After playing 35-40 snaps per game in 2011, Pouha has been limited to just 15-20 snaps this season. He's tallied just 28 tackles and one sack. Pouha has two years left on a three-year, $15 million deal he signed this past March.

Jets NT Sione Pouha (questionable, lower back) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Dolphins. Pouha was officially "limited" in Friday's practice, but coach Rex Ryan told reporters he thinks he'll be ready to return this week. If Pouha is active, it would be a massive upgrade for the Jets' 31st ranked run defense.

Jets NTs Sione Pouha (back) and Kenrick Ellis (knee) have been ruled out for Week 7 against the Patriots. Neither player made the trip to New England with their teammates. Undrafted rookie Damon Harrison will get the start up front. He tips the scales at 350 pounds. Pouha has been out since Week 4. Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen will look to take advantage of the Jets' No. 28 run defense.

Jets NT Sione Pouha (back) is not expected to play in Week 5. Pouha has been struggling with a bad back since training camp. He's been ineffective on the field, but is the Jets' top interior run defender when healthy and on his game. Look for a monster Monday night effort from Arian Foster.

Jets coach Rex Ryan confirmed Friday that NT Sione Pouha (back) is unlikely to play in Week 1 against the Bills. It can't hurt Fred Jackson's cause; 325-pound Pouha is the linchpin of New York's interior run defense. "He really is close," Ryan insisted. "He's begging us to play, but I think we're gonna be smart and give it a little time. This is really the first week he's practiced. He was out there today, but we'll see."

Jets NT Sione Pouha (lower back) is in danger of missing Week 1 against the Bills. A normally optimistic Rex Ryan stated Monday he's "not real sure" whether Pouha will be active. While backup Kenrick Ellis flashed some penetrating ability in preseason games, the loss of Pouha would give Fred Jackson a matchup boost and soften the Jets' run defense. Pouha is an immovable nose tackle.