Fireman Ed was missing in action at the Jets’ home opener and apparently won’t be back anytime soon. Ill will? Depression after an 0-2 start? Fighting fires? None of the above.

Ed Anzalone is on injured reserve. Following an accident at work (fighting real fires), Ed was forced to have knee surgery on September 6th and says he isn’t sure when he’ll be healthy enough to return to the Meadowlands.

Via Jim Baumbauch of Newsday, Fireman Ed had this to say about his comeback:

“I have some issues, man. I have some herniations in my back, some in my neck. So I’m taking care of myself. I’m not up to par right now. I’d love to be at the games. But I have to get myself right before I go back there. Hopefully I can get back before the end of the season, and they’ll start winning,” he said.

So the mystery is solved. Fireman Ed wasn’t missing in action, just missing the action.

In other news, the Jets placed CB/KR Justin Miller on injured reserve following an apparent knee injury suffered in Sunday’s game against the Ravens. No further details are available at this time.

Jon Buzby is a nationally-syndicated columnist who can be reached through his website at www.jonbuzby.com.