FLORHAM PARK -- The Jets have to wait a bit longer to see rookie third-round pick ArDarius Stewart in action.

Coach Todd Bowles said Wednesday the wideout had surgery to repair preexisting injuries to his thumb and groin in recent weeks. He expects Stewart to be ready when training camp begins July 28.

Stewart practiced fully during the Jets three-day rookie minicamp in May. It's unclear how impacted he was by the injuries which, according to Bowles, occurred before the Jets drafted him. Stewart missed most -- if not all -- of the Jets' 10 organized team activities.

"Well there's no time like learning experience," Bowles said Wednesday. "So he has a lot of catching up to do."

It's hard to find a position impacted more by general manager Mike Maccagnan's offseason roster purge than receiver. The Jets cut both Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, their top wideouts the last two seasons. They're banking on young, unproven players to step up this year.

Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson figure to start outside, but Stewart, who drew comparisons to Dolphins stud Jarvis Landry in the months leading up to the draft, was in the running to play in the slot. Stewart caught 54 passes for 864 yards and eight touchdowns his final season at Alabama.

In minicamp, Jalin Marshall, who's suspended the first four games of the season, has worked in the slot.

Stewart was one of two receivers drafted by the Jets. The other, fourth-round pick Chad Hansen, is also out with an injury. Bowles said he's dealing with a sore knee. The coach didnt' seem overly concerned.

Connor Hughes may be reached at chughes@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connor_J_Hughes. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.