Decker, Marshall refute absences for Fitzpatrick

3:58 PM ET

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets wide receivers Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall, facing the media for the first time since their conspicuous absences last week, were in damage control on Wednesday, perhaps trying to help the organization contain the growing Ryan Fitzpatrick contract controversy.

Decker refuted a newspaper report that said he skipped last week’s practice as a show of solidarity for the unsigned Fitzpatrick, whose standoff with the team has dominated the team’s offseason headlines.

“That’s not the reason I wasn’t here,” Decker told a crowd of reporters at his locker. “I told coach where I was and what I was doing. I was with my family.”

“There’s a thin line between supporting your teammate and being detrimental to the team. … At this point, it’s time for all of us to move forward and try to figure out how we can win some games.”

Brandon Marshall

Marshall said he spent the week at his home in Florida, working out. He refused to confirm or deny his no-show was related to the Fitzpatrick situation.

“You guys know how I feel about Ryan,” Marshall said. “I’ve said it over and over …

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