The New York Jets will likely have tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. in their game against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Both rookies fully practiced on Friday and appear ready to go. Sadiq was earlier listed as questionable with concussion symptoms, but apparently has passed the NFL protocols. Cooper was on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain
They will be needed against the 3-2 Patriots. Once again, No. 2 receiver Adonai Mitchell and star running back Breece Hall will not play. Left guard Dylan Parham is also out, as is defensive edge Joseph Ossai, who has apparently reaggravated his foot injury.
Of the missing, Mitchell is the most concerning. He will miss his fourth straight game after sustaining a finger injury at a Jets practice. He allegedly caught his finger in a teammate’s jersey, an unfortunate accident that has derailed a promising start to his season.
Mitchell has since undergone what the Jets have described as a “procedure” on his hand after denying at first that such action had been taken. However, he is still week-to-week, and it’s anyone’s guess as to when he might possibly return.
Hall’s quad injury has been slow-healing, but the muscle is one that running backs need to be perfect in order to perform. He will miss his third straight game. In his absence, Braelon Hall has come on strong, rushing for more than 100 yards in his last game and scoring an impressive touchdown run to seal a Jets victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Parham’s knee injury is also a bit of a mystery. He was seen walking around the Jets facility in an air cast, but has not been placed on injured reserve. Big men and knees are tricky, so when he will be ready to return is up in the air. His replacement, Jordan Meredith, has been struggling, yielding three sacks and ten total pressures.
Cooper’s return offers intrigue on whether he can provide a deep threat to take the heat off No. 1 receiver Garrett Wilson. Cooper had a 30-yard catch and run on opening day against the Tennessee Titans, pinballing down the field and opening some eyes as to his potential. If he can make a play or two in a limited role, it opens up the field for the other Jets weapons.
Sadiq had a big game against the Detroit Lions, winning the NFL Rookie of the Week award. He has since been limited, but his blazing speed always poses a threat that can open things up for others. He joins the returned Mason Taylor as a 1-2 punch at tight end.
