The New York Jets have a lot of questions, particularly about who will line up against the winless Miami Dolphins for Sunday’s game.
The Jets have three players out, two defensive players listed as limited in practice, and three limited for the offense. That’s including three players definitively out for the Miami game.
So far, running back Breece Hall is the biggest mystery. He’s recovering from a quad injury sustained during the Detroit game in Week 3 and is just back at practice, though limited, and was kept out of Wednesday’s practice. He’s looking doubtful for Sunday, particularly with backup Braelon Allen doing a huge job as the fill-in.
Hall created intrigue by posting an Instagram of himself that said “Soon” earlier this week. Whether that translates to this Sunday remains to be seen.
Officially out for Sunday’s game are linebacker Kiko Mauigoa, edge rusher Joseph Ossai, and offensive lineman Max Mitchell, who will not play because of a concussion. The first two have been frequent flyers on the Jets injury list this season, while Mitchell is a valued backup.
Starting left guard Dylan Parham was listed as questionable on the Jets injury report after practicing on a limited basis. Jordan Meredith has been the fill-in, but is not nearly at Parham’s level.
Another potential problem for the Jets is in the return game. Gamebreaker Kene Nwangwu did not practice and is nursing a knee injury, not a great sign for someone who relies on speed. Nwangwu sustained several big hits on returns in the New England game and has generally struggled to break off a long one this year for the Jets special teams.
Long-lost receiver Adonai Mitchell is expected to return to action on Sunday. He’s been out with a murky diagnosis of a finger injury that first didn’t need a medical intervention, then did. Now it’s a matter of pain tolerance for the receiver, according to head coach Aaron Glenn.
If Mitchell plays, it will be the first time since opening day that the Jets have their three top receivers – Mitchell, Garrett Wilson, and Omar Cooper Jr. – available in the same game. Mitchell was establishing himself as a solid No. 2 option prior to his injury, and Cooper just won the NFL Rookie of the Week honors for his solid performance against New England. Either or both can offer to draw some attention away from Wilson, opening things up for the moribund Jets offense.
Left guard Dylan Parham is listed as questionable for Sunday with a lingering knee injury. He played well before going down, but it remains uncertain how much the knee will limit his mobility.
The 2-4 Jets are home against winless Miami on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. The early line has the Jets as 5.5 point favorites, not an overwhelming spread.
