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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 4
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Head coach Robert Saleh made the decision to rest all Jets starters during Saturday’s preseason finale against the New York Giants. "Different reasons last year as compared to this year," said Saleh, who played his starters for a series in the third preseason game last year. "We've played them [the starters] in the past. This whole offseason we've taken a different approach with how we're preparing our guys for Week 1, and hopefully it pans out." Aaron Rodgers endorsed Saleh’s new approach, "I give Robert a lot of credit because he said this is going to be a tough training camp, and I think it's been a lot of reps for the ones. He told me the other day we were somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 more reps at this point of camp than last year, and it feels like it. But it's good; I think it's going to allow us to maybe be a little bit more ready." Rodgers looked ready during Wednesday’s joint practice against the Giants, completing 16-of-22 passes with three touchdowns, including a beautiful deep throw and no-look pass to Garrett Wilson. Tyrod Taylor is cemented as the backup and is the only other quarterback projected to make the 53-man roster.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Breece Hall is widely regarded as one of the league’s best young running backs, and the hype is fully justifiable. After catching a nifty red-zone touchdown from Rodgers against the Giants during Wednesday’s joint practice, Hall celebrated by checking linebacker Isaiah Simmons’ ankles to make sure they weren’t broken. Rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis rested on Saturday, a sign that both players would figure into the regular season plans as Hall’s backups. Israel Abanikanda was projected as a cut candidate for most of the summer but made his case to be the team’s fourth running back against the Giants. The second-year back started the game and rushed for 83 yards on nine carries, including a 45-yard touchdown. “I think he helped himself with regard to everyone noticing,” Saleh said. “But it’s not anything we haven’t noticed already. He’s had an awesome training camp. He’s one of those guys we’re going to have to make decisions on.”
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
No. 1 wide receiver Garrett Wilson capped off a dominant training camp by feasting on the Giants’ secondary. A particularly gorgeous throw and catch between Rodgers and Wilson inspired running back Braelon Allen to call Wilson the best football player he has ever seen. Projected No. 2 receiver Mike Williams returned to team drills this week. His status for Week 1 remains uncertain, but Saleh told reporters that Williams is progressing well. “Right now, for him, it’s just continuing to gain confidence,” Saleh said. “It’s going to be more of a mental block than anything else, but I think he’s doing well.” Wilson, Williams, Allen Lazard, and Xavier Gipson were rested on Saturday, solidifying their status as the top four receivers. Rookie Malachi Corley is guaranteed a roster spot but doesn’t seem likely to play significant snaps early in the season. Corley was the only offensive player the team drafted in 2024 to suit up for the preseason finale. ESPN’s Rich Cimini noted, “Corley’s route running is a work in progress, but he can contribute immediately as a screen/gadget player, a la Deebo Samuel. Right now, he projects as the fifth receiver. He can solidify his standing on the game-day roster by landing a role as a returner.” Irvin Charles is likely to make the team due to his special teams prowess, which leaves Jason Brownlee on the bubble.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
After another offseason, and with Rodgers now recovered from his torn Achilles, starter Tyler Conklin has started to understand his quarterback more. “I think everybody’s kind of had those moments with him where they’re, ‘OK, like, we are meshing more and more every day,’ ” Conklin said on Friday. “And I think those moments just keep happening, and things keep getting better and better. I feel like there’s a lot out there left for me, a lot left on the bone for me to go and show what I can do on the football field.” No. 2 Jeremy Ruckert returned to practice after clearing the league’s concussion protocol. Kenny Yeboah has the edge over Zack Kuntz and Anthony Firkser to make the roster as the No. 3.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Jets officials expect defensive end Haason Reddick’s prolonged holdout will “work itself out,” according to ESPN’s Josina Anderson. Cimini added, “I would think September 2nd or 3rd are important days to watch out for. Those are the pressure points when these holdouts typically end. If it doesn’t end by then, [Reddick will] probably go into the regular season, and anything is possible.” Much of the attention during Reddick’s absence has gone to 2023 first-round draft pick Will McDonald. However, Micheal Clemons could be the base-defense starter over McDonald after the Jets abandoned last year’s plan to use Clemons in a hybrid role. “We tried to get him up to a certain weight to see if we could get him inside-outside,” Saleh said about Clemons. “Bad decision, bad advice from your friendly neighborhood coaching staff. But he looks really good. He’s in a really good place, setting the edges that he needs to set. And he’s actually producing some in the pass game.” Saleh said McDonald, Clemons, and Takk McKinley have “seized the moment” with unexpected reps available.
Preseason Updates: Returners
Xavier Gipson led the NFL last year in total returns and ranked second in return yardage. He has the inside track to handle the job again for the Jets this year.
Updates from Week 3
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
The Jets rested all their key starters in Saturday’s 15-12 victory over the Carolina Panthers, including Aaron Rodgers and backup Tyrod Taylor. When asked if he’ll take the field in the team’s preseason finale against the New York Giants, Rodgers didn’t sound like the decision was weighing heavily on him. "What's there to gain?" Rodgers asked rhetorically. "Just being back on the field in a situation where you can get hit ... but the way we got after our defense today, the next few days, I'm going to be worried about getting hit as well." More importantly, Rodgers feels ready to go for Week 1. "I feel like I have an extra gear I haven't shown yet," Rodgers told reporters after Tuesday’s practice. "I'm not sure how much of an extra gear that is yet. Maybe there's a little bit more that I can give. ... Plays like today make me feel like I'm ready to go." Taylor’s impressive deep ball was on display in Thursday’s practice. The veteran backup is locked in as the team’s No. 2 quarterback. Andrew Peasley and Adrian Martinez split playing time against the Panthers, but neither acquitted themselves well. The two are in competition to be the Jets' No. 3 quarterback for the practice squad.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
The Jets have the youngest running back room in the league with an average age of 22.8 years. Breece Hall, at 23 years old, has found himself in the unlikely role of veteran leader. "Probably the best thing about him is he's been awesome with the other guys in the room," running backs coach Tony Dews said on Monday. "You know, obviously, he's enrolled as a starter, and you see these other guys out there, competing and practicing, doing a good job. He doesn't blink. You know, he certainly has confidence in his own ability. And he's very willing to help the other guys within the position." Rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis are “the other guys” Dews was referring to. While Allen may have already solidified his role as the No. 2 running back with a strong showing in the preseason opener, the Jets rotated their backs more evenly on Saturday against the Panthers. Davis started the game, with Allen also taking a snap on the first drive. Davis took all the second drive, Allen took the third, and then Allen played most of the fourth drive with Davis mixing in. Davis has “come on” after a slow start to camp, so we can’t rule out a timeshare behind Hall when he needs a breather.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
The budding chemistry between Aaron Rodgers and Garrett Wilson was the leading topic of discussion out of camp this week. On Thursday, Wilson had five catches and two touchdowns in the joint practice with the Panthers. He also drew a pass interference penalty on a long Rodgers bomb that set up a touchdown. “When you got [Rodgers] in front of you and all of a sudden you’re like, this dude can throw anything, he can throw it anywhere,” Wilson said. "With Aaron, everything's ... you can do it. So, it's exciting for me and for all the receivers in the room, the tight ends, we all feel like we can really just go out there and play and trust our eyes, we don't have to overthink anything." Mike Williams and Allen Lazard will split time opposite Wilson to open the season until Williams is ready to take on a heavier workload as he recovers from a torn ACL. Although rookie Malachi Corley could challenge him for snaps during the season, Xavier Gipson will start in the slot. For now, it appears Corley’s primary path to playing time is on special teams. “It is just very comfortable for me, even though I didn’t get the opportunity to really put it on film in college a lot. But you know, they gave me reps after reps after reps and kind of just build my confidence through reps and you know, that’s what I need,” Corley said. “Being on kick return, punt return is something that I’m looking forward to, excited to do all season.”
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
SNY’s Connor Hughes believes Tyler Conklin is poised for a big season, noting that Conklin is the player Rodgers targets whenever a play breaks down or he needs something quick. Conklin is a reliable option over the middle, and Rodgers likes exploiting that field area when defenses are keying in on Hall or Wilson. No. 2 Jeremy Ruckert will miss a few days "dealing with a couple of things."
Preseason Updates: Kickers
Greg Zuerlein will be the kicker this year, but the team also has another kicker gunning for a starting job, just not on the Jets. Austin Seibert made 4 of 4 field goal attempts, including one from 52 yards and another from 45 that clinched the game. Head coach Robert Saleh said he thinks Seibert is “better than some kickers that are employed in the NFL right now” and wanted to give him opportunities for other teams to see. Mission accomplished.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Saleh insists that defensive end Haason Reddick's training camp holdout has not distracted the team. "It's not [a distraction]. I promise you it's not," said Saleh as Reddick's protest entered its fourth week. "It's a great opportunity for the guys that are here. We love our D-line. We love our depth, especially at the defensive end position." Second-year defensive end Will McDonald IV continues to show he can step in for Reddick if the veteran’s holdout extends into the season. McDonald produced the play of the game Saturday with a spin move for a sack of Panthers quarterback Jake Plummer. Takk McKinley is a more surprising name, picking up the slack at the defensive end in Reddick’s absence. Before the game, Saleh told a sideline reporter that McKinley is a “tenacious” player who “plays with unbelievable effort and strain.” The 2017 first-round pick hasn’t played in a regular-season game since 2022, but he looks like a safe bet to land on the 53-man roster.
Preseason Updates: Offensive Lines
The Jets reloaded this offseason, bringing in left tackle Tyron Smith (8x Pro Bowl) from Dallas on a short-term deal. Smith isn't durable, but he's still dynamic. The team also brought left guard John Simpson and right tackle Morgan Moses from the Ravens to employ more gap-man schemes in their running attack. Center Joe Tippmann and right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker are gifted young players, but Vera-Tucker has had bad luck with injuries. Rookie Olu Fashanu (Round 1 – Penn State) will eventually start at left tackle. It's a higher ranking than we're all used to, but the Jets rank 10th overall.
Updates from Week 2
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Aaron Rodgers continues to impress camp observers, making it easy for Jets fans to have high hopes this season. “I think he’s in a great space,” Jets head coach Robert Saleh said. “He’s in a great space mentally. His arm — I keep telling people his arm looks like he’s 30. He’s ready to roll.” Saleh was cautious with Rodgers, holding him out of Thursday’s rain-filled practice despite the star quarterback’s objections. It’s unclear whether Rodgers will suit up for New York’s third preseason game, though Saleh mentioned “preliminary discussions” with Rodgers about playing against the Giants in the August 24 finale. Unlike last year, the Jets have a viable backup plan should Rodgers miss games. In Rodgers’ absence on Thursday, Tyrod Taylor showed he can keep the Jets’ wide receivers afloat for fantasy purposes, flashing a particularly strong connection with No. 1 receiver Garrett Wilson. Taylor started in the Jets' 20-17 comeback win over the Commanders on Saturday, dropping back only twice, completing one pass for a 1-yard loss. With rookie Jordan Travis trending towards a redshirt year, it seems likely Rodgers and Taylor will start the year as the only two quarterbacks on the roster.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Breece Hall was among the starters held out of Saturday’s preseason game. Like Rodgers, Hall has looked great in practices. Unlike Rodgers, he’s had the benefit of a normal offseason program where he didn’t have to rehab an injury. Hall has unlimited upside, but it’s worth considering whether he might come off the field more often than expected, given the quality depth behind him. Braelon Allen was the first running back on the field Saturday, suggesting he’s firmly the No. 2 on the depth chart. The 20-year-old rookie finished the game with six attempts for 54 yards, including two explosive carries of 10-plus yards. “I think I speak for the entire team: we were all excited to see [Braelon Allen] run,” Saleh said. “Braelon didn’t disappoint. When he got to the second level, it’s painful to just touch the human. He is a very heavy runner. And it was really cool to see him out in the open field.” Fellow rookie Isaiah Davis picked up where Allen left off. After consecutive carries for short gains, Davis displayed elusiveness on a 24-yard catch-and-run over the middle. “I feel like a lot of people overlook my hands,” Davis said. “I’m 220, a good-sized back, but I feel like I got a little wiggle to me too.” Fourth-stringer Israel Abanikanda scored a two-yard touchdown later in the game, but he still faces an uphill battle to make the team. New York signed Deon Jackson on Wednesday.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
The wide receiver room got healthier this week with the returns of projected starters Mike Williams and Xavier Gipson. Williams was activated off the PUP list Wednesday, clearing a hurdle in his recovery from a torn ACL. "I'd say this whole process has been a grind," Williams said of his rehab. "I was working off to the side for some time. Just to do individuals with the group, it felt good.” Saleh provided a timeline for Williams to get to the rehab finish line. "The good news is obviously, he's a lot further ahead than we anticipated," Saleh said. “We anticipate him getting back into teamwork maybe a couple of weeks from now." Williams remains optimistic but uncertain for Week 1 and will likely take a few games to ramp up to a full complement of snaps.
Gipson is the favorite to open the year as the starting slot receiver. He returned to practice Tuesday for the first time since July 25, when he limped off with a leg injury. "It was good to get him back,” Saleh said. "He took a big step in OTAs. As a young rookie, you’re swimming. You’re not accessing all your athleticism. Where this year, the challenge for him is to throw that fastball every single play.” Rookie Malachi Corley is no higher than fourth on the depth chart, but Saleh sees his potential and wants to see it in a game. “He’s going to be a fun player,” Saleh said. “We can see the violence he runs with when he gets the ball in his hands. We’re looking forward to seeing how it translates.” Garrett Wilson continues to look like a superstar. The No. 1 receiver dominated the joint practice with Washington, “torching” cornerbacks and “eating them alive.”
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Tyler Conklin is locked in as the starter and primary pass-catching option. Tyrod Taylor has been impressed with Conklin’s play. "He's made a ton of plays. I was impressed through the spring and in camp," Taylor said. "His catch radius is very wide. He's a smart player in the run game, blocking schemes and finding holes within the defense from a passing game standpoint. I'm looking forward to him contributing a lot." Jeremy Ruckert was held out with the starters on Saturday, cementing his No. 2 spot on the depth chart. Kenny Yeboah and Zack Kuntz are fighting for a roster spot.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Defensive end Haason Reddick has yet to report for training camp amid a contract holdout and formally requested a trade on Monday. General manager Joe Douglas acknowledged the trade request but said the team has no intention of moving Reddick. When asked on Monday about Reddick's status, Saleh simply said, “I still have nothing.” However, Saleh wasn’t sure if the holdout would hurt Reddick’s ability to integrate into the defense if and when he arrives in New Jersey. “I don’t know because there are examples of players like Aaron Donald, Chris Jones a couple of years ago, who didn’t show up until Week 1 and they did just fine,” Saleh told reporters. “When you get to that stage in your career, I don’t have the right answer for you on that one.” If there is a silver lining to Reddick’s absence, it’s that second-year defensive end Will McDonald is getting much-needed reps. After a slow start to camp, McDonald has shown an improved burst and a devastating spin move.
Preseason Updates: Returners
Xavier Gipson, who led the NFL in total returns and ranked second in return yardage last year, has the inside track to handle the job again this season.
Updates from Week 1
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's What You Need To Know From Every Team This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Aaron Rodgers returned to the practice field after missing mandatory minicamp while vacationing in Egypt. The Jets' 2024 prospects hinge on Rodgers returning to form after tearing his Achilles ten months ago. Head coach Robert Saleh indicated he’s leaning towards holding Rodgers out of preseason games, which leaves camp practices for the future Hall of Famer to work his way back to 100 percent. “It’s going to take a little time,” Rodgers said. “My movement stuff is tracking the exact same as last year…But I just need the reps. The last five percent of being 100 percent is just the mental part.” The results for the offense after the first two padded practices were bad, with Rodgers expressing visible frustration with his teammates. But after he threw six touchdowns in red zone drills Wednesday, he said the offense was progressing well. And playing behind his starting offensive line for the first time Friday, Rodgers ended the week on a high note, connecting with Garrett Wilson for three touchdowns. Tyrod Taylor ran the second team and flashed a strong connection with receiver Jason Brownlee. Fifth-round pick Jordan Travis is still returning from a leg injury he suffered at Florida State. Saleh said Travis’ recovery is “going to take a little longer than we were hoping.”
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Breece Hall missed time at OTAs with an undisclosed injury, but he’s been a full-go in camp. Aaron Rodgers praised Hall’s professional approach and ability to play on all three downs. "His skillset speaks for itself, but the mental preparation is obviously matching the physical ability, which is when you can start to take off,” Rodgers said. After first turning heads at OTAs while filling in for Hall, the drumbeat has continued for rookie Braelon Allen to emerge as New York’s No. 2 running back. Whether it was SNY’s Connor Hughes, The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt, or NFL analyst Will Parkinson, observers were in agreement - Allen is a problem for NFL defenders to bring down. Most importantly, Saleh is also a fan. “He’s heavy. Very smart, fluid, good out of the backfield, really good in pass protection already for a rookie…Braelon’s really smooth out of the backfield with his hands.” Saleh said. Fifth-round pick Isaiah Davis has also produced some noteworthy plays, but his drive-killing fumble in Saturday’s scrimmage won’t help him pass Allen on the depth chart. Tarik Cohen’s surprising decision to pull the plug on his comeback attempt gives last year’s camp standout, Izzy Abanikanda, a new lease on life as he fights for a roster spot.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Rodgers and Garrett Wilson opened camp firing on all cylinders, hit a rough patch on Wednesday when clips of a heated exchange made the rounds on social media, but came full circle on Friday when the duo connected for three touchdowns, including a 30-yard bomb. Both players blew off Wednesday’s spat as a passionate exchange that will make them both better. It’s clear their chemistry is trending up. "Eight (Rodgers) and Garrett, they definitely on a different zone right now," cornerback D.J. Reed said last week. "With their chemistry, they're doing stuff on the go. They're running certain routes where if you over-pursue, they are running another route. They're definitely in a different element." Mike Williams, the Jets' presumptive No. 2 receiver, started camp on the PUP list as he recovers from a torn ACL. He is reportedly “ahead of schedule” in his rehab and is targeting Week 1 for his return. Spring practices had primary kick returner, Xavier Gipson, in the lead to start at slot receiver. Gipson will miss another week with a leg injury, opening snaps for rookie Malachi Corley and veteran Allen Lazard. Saleh said Corley “still has a ways to go” with his route running, but he impressed coaches on Wednesday in the absence of Gipson (and Lazard, who was held out with general soreness). "Couple receivers being down, with Allen being managed today, it gave Corley an opportunity to get more and without looking at the tape," Saleh said. "I felt him on the football field today, he had a really, really productive day." Lazard’s contract makes him difficult to cut, so he will likely make the roster, leaving Brownlee and Malik Taylor to fight for the final wide receiver spot.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
During the offseason, the team parted ways with C.J. Uzomah, placing Tyler Conklin firmly atop the depth chart. Conklin believes the offense already feels like a different unit. "I think as a whole unit, we just feel different," said Conklin. "Obviously, you got Garrett [Wilson], Breece [Hall] in their third year. … I think how they just keep improving, it makes life easier. Then obviously having No. 8 [Aaron Rodgers] out there, we all know that makes life easy, but I think it's a combination of all those things." Jeremy Ruckert is expected to inherit Uzomah’s vacated snaps. Conklin thinks Ruckert can make a leap in his third season, but he’ll likely be counted on more as a run blocker than a pass-catcher.
Preseason Updates: Defense
The Jets should once again field one of the NFL’s premier defenses, but they’ll need to replace the departed Bryce Huff’s 10 sacks from a year ago. It’s an already tough task made more difficult by the holdout of edge rusher Haason Reddick, who came over from the Eagles in the offseason. ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported talks between Reddick and the Jets are progressing, but nothing is official yet. Star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams doubled down on the team’s decision to trade for Reddick despite the holdout. Last year’s first-round pick, defensive end Will McDonald, reported to camp stronger to shake off a disappointing rookie season. When asked on Wednesday about McDonald’s training camp performance, Saleh said, “Much, much stronger. I know he looks the same, but his strength in the run game, his strength in the pass game is showing up. I know he’s gotten a couple of wins on our starting tackles, and I really like the way he’s progressing.”
