The Jets are optimistic about getting some reinforcements before next week’s game against the Cardinals.
Rookie wide receiver Denzel Mims and running back Le’Veon Bell are both eligible to come off of injured reserve if their hamstring injuries allow it. The Jets feel good about both players’ chances of returning as well as that of receiver Breshad Perriman, who injured his ankle against the 49ers in Week 2.
The Jets also could get receiver Vyncint Smith back, as well as some defensive players.
“We have quite a few guys that are going to be available to come off IR after this game,” Jets coach Adam Gase said before Thursday night’s game against the Broncos at MetLife Stadium. “So, you know, I mean we’re looking at getting three to five guys back possibly,”
Mims’ return is the most eagerly anticipated. The second-round pick from Baylor has yet to play a game after suffering injuries to both hamstrings. Gase said the Jets will have to get him up to speed.
“We got to get him out there,” Gase said, “and the good thing is he’s been really engaged in anything that has to do with game planning and things like that, so he’s trying to learn everything as much as he can with what he’s able to do and you know hopefully when we get him back we can just get him rolling and get him involved.”
The Jets made several roster moves prior to Thursday night’s game. They activated receiver Jeff Smith off IR. They signed cornerback Javelin Guidry from the practice squad. They elevated receiver Lawrence Cager and cornerback Lamar Jackson from the practice squad. And they released quarterback Mike White and cornerback Nate Hairston.
White served as Sam Darnold’s backup in the team’s first three games of the season. Now that Joe Flacco is healthy enough to be the backup, White was expendable.
Gase was taking on the team with which he had his most success an assistant coach. He was with Denver from 2009-14, serving as wide receivers coach, quarterbacks coach and then offensive coordinator with Peyton Manning as his quarterback.
“Well anytime you can be at a place six years in this profession, that’s a good experience in itself,” Gase said. “All three of my kids were born in Denver and that was kind of really my real first position job when I was hired there in 2009. … It was a rough start, but then we won four division titles after that and had a chance to go to a Super Bowl. So, a lot of good memories there.”
The Jets inactives were: QB James Morgan, WR Breshad Perriman, CB Quincy Wilson, S Ashtyn Davis, S Marqui Christian, LB Jordan Willis and DL Nathan Shepherd.
