PITTSFORD, N.Y. — Rex Ryan won’t excuse linebacker Ikemefuna Enemkpali for a sucker punch that broke quarterback Geno Smith’s jaw in the New York Jets’ locker room.

That doesn’t mean Ryan — the former Jets coach in his first season in Buffalo — isn’t willing to provide Enemkpali a second chance with the Bills.

With new owner Terry Pegula’s blessing, the Bills claimed Enemkpali off waivers a day after he punched Smith and was released by the Jets.

“I think it’s clear it was a mistake. Nothing justifies hitting somebody and all that stuff. And I’m not trying to say that it wasn’t a mistake,” Ryan said before the Bills opened an evening practice. “But I also believe that he’s going to learn from this. And we’ll give him a chance to compete.”

Ryan recalled Enemkpali being a “good teammate” in New York, and is confident he will be accepted by Bills players.

“Look at every person in that locker room, not anybody’s perfect,” Ryan said. “But they know that I feel in my heart that this young man will be successful for us.”

Running back Fred Jackson is set to welcome Enemkpali and adds he doesn’t owe Bills players an explanation.

“When he gets here, he’s got a clean slate with us. We’ll see how everything works out, but I’m excited to have him,” Jackson said. “What happened in New York happened there. It’s not something we have to worry about here in Buffalo.”

Defensive tackle Kyle Williams said he’s not going to prejudge Enemkpali.

“I’m not going to say he’s totally wrong or anything like that, because I don’t know the circumstances,” Williams said. “I’m sure there’s things that would make me want to hit somebody, too, but I just don’t know what it was.”

Enemkpali’s addition is the latest offseason twist between the AFC East rivals.

Aside from hiring Ryan and much of his coaching staff, the Bills also signed former Jets receiver Percy Harvin in March.

In New York, former Bills coach Chan Gailey is the Jets’ offensive coordinator.