There was a flurry of New York Jets roster manipulations on Sunday morning prior to their game against the Detroit Lions.
The Jets have solved their depth problem at receiver for the Detroit game, elevating former Giants WR Sterling Shepard from the practice squad,
Shepard signed with the Jets last week but did not play. He was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the last two years after eight seasons with the New York Giants.
Wideout Adonai Mitchell’s availability for Sunday’s game is uncertain. Mitchell was listed as “questionable” on the injury report.
Mitchell was off to a strong start to his season, but caught a finger in a defender’s jersey during this week’s practice. He was seen with two fingers taped and a wrap, both indicating that he’ll be limited in some form.
His absence would be felt at a position where the Jets are already thin. Rookie Omar Cooper Jr., receiver Arian Smith, and veteran Tim Patrick are already on injured reserve. That leaves star Garrett Wilson and return specialist Isaiah Williams as the other receiver options, although rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq may have an expanded role if Mitchell is out.
Earlier this week, the team also signed undrafted rookie receiver Malik McClain to the active roster. He’s available today for spot duty.
The Jets have also signed wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett to the active roster. That gives the Jets six receivers for Sunday’s game with the Lions. Pritchett joined the Jets last season after signing as an undrafted free agent. He was a first-team All-Sun Belt performer in 2024 and led the conference with 1,126 receiving yards. P
The Jets have also elevated kicker Jason Sanders from the practice squad for the third straight week. This is the last week they can move him without signing him to the active roster. They also have kicker Blake Grupe on the roster and will have to make a decision on his future after the Detroit game.
Expected to make their Jets debuts this week are cornerback D’Angelo Ponds, a second-round draft choice this year, and edge Joseph Ossai.
Ossai was projected as a starting edge rusher, but tore his plantar fascia and has been listed as week to week. His absence hasn’t been felt, as the Jets edges have been sharp. He is listed as a game-time decision, but fully participated in Friday’s practice after being limited Wednesday and Thursday.
If he plays, Ossai would likely be used on early downs to help stifle the run game of explosive Detroit back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Among 53 qualified edge defenders in 2025, Ossai was listed with a 70.7 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), indicating he was above league average.
