Corey Davis has never put up the numbers of a No. 1 receiver, and with the emergence of Garrett Wilson, if Davis still holds that title with the Jets, it’s nominal. But Davis’ return to the field this week still comes at an important time, with the Jets getting the leader of their receiver room back as Mike White makes his first start at quarterback. 

“It’s big,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said Friday morning. “And sometimes you don’t feel it until they come back. Just the professionalism, the detail, the walk-through, the deliberateness at which he goes about every rep. It’s such a high regard for Corey and his professional manner. Him lining up, getting other people lined up, there’s a calm with him in the huddle cause we are young at the receiver spot. When he’s in there, he’s kinda directing traffic and he’s talking to people and then the way he practices. 

“I know from a stat standpoint, fantasy-wise, you may look at it and say he’s not doing much, but he’s by far one of our more productive receivers, just because of what he does not just on the field but off the field.” 

A few hours later, speaking to The Post in the Jets locker room following practice, Davis had heard the head coach’s quote. He took it in stride. 

“I know my role is a little bit different than anyone even around the league, as far as blocking, doing some of the little things,” Davis said. “Even in our room in general, we have a room that’s very selfless. We understand we gotta get the job done. We’re not afraid to go out there and run and free up the runs for the backs. Definitely means a lot to hear Saleh say something like that.” 

Davis’ absence was keenly felt in New England last week, when the Jets had no answer on offense in a 10-3 loss that saw them gain just 2 yards in the second half. After missing three games with a knee injury suffered in Week 7 against the Broncos, Davis said he expects it to be a process getting back up to game speed, and has been doing extra work all week. 

“I’m excited to be back,” he said. “I’ve been out for three or four weeks, was kinda watching the guys go out there and fight their butts off. Feels good to be back with the guys. Try and get a win.” 

Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (elbow) and tight end Kenny Yeboah (calf) are out for Sunday’s game. Cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner (calf) and guard Nate Herbig (shin) are expected to play.