National Football League

Jets safety Allen likely to start at CB against Bengals

Published Aug. 12, 2014 4:22 p.m. ET

foxsports

Rex Ryan says safety Antonio Allen will ''probably'' start at cornerback in the New York Jets' preseason game at Cincinnati on Saturday night.

Allen was moved to cornerback on Monday because the Jets are short-handed at the position after injuries to Dee Milliner, Dimitri Patterson and Dexter McDougle. Ryan says Allen can play the position because he's versatile and athletic enough.

Ryan adds Tuesday that if Allen can effectively cover the Bengals' A.J. Green, ''he can cover them all.''

Allen, a hybrid linebacker at South Carolina, was drafted in the seventh round by the Jets in 2012. He has worked primarily at safety for the Jets, and Ryan has said Allen has the talent to be a Pro Bowler there.