The Jets could drop two big receivers on Sunday against the Panthers as they begin the 2021 season. Jamison Crowder, the team’s top receiver each for the past two years, was ruled out, as expected, and newcomer Keelan Cole is questionable. after not having practiced on Friday.
Crowder remains on the reserve list / COVID-19 after testing positive for the virus last Friday, while Cole suffered a knee injury in practice on Thursday and was limited that day.
“He’s going to fall,” head coach Robert Saleh said about Cole.
That could mean a bigger role for Denzel Mims, who started his sophomore year on the track, who started slowly on the training camp, but took it as the summer went on.
“He has improved a lot and continues to improve every day and I love his intention and his way of doing business, finding versatility and knowing all the places instead of getting stuck, which is hard for a receiver, Saleh said. “So he’s been good, his mind is in the right place.”
The incorporation of free agent Corey Davis and second-round pick Elijah Moore is expected to begin at the receiver.
Saleh refused to reveal who will start the corner next to Bryce Hall, but it is clear that Hall has impressed the coaching staff. Saleh was enthusiastic about the work habits, consistency and IQ of second-year defensive football.
“He’ll be able to play and he won’t make you win,” Saleh said. “We are confident he will be in a position to make sure the ball doesn’t lag behind and that he constantly answers the things in front of him.”
As part of what Saleh said will be a tradition on Friday, he didn’t bring Jets teams to the podium for his press conference. Instead, he wore a gray shirt with a blue and white Bulldog mascot representing the Passaic County Technical Institute. Every Friday, Saleh plans to wear a different t-shirt from high school.
“The girls are the first football team in New Jersey history to win a championship,” he said. “We will recognize a local high school football team every week for having done something quite fun. Therefore, they are the first ”.
Safety Sharrod Neasman (hamstring) was ruled out and runner La’Mical Perine (foot) is questionable. Perine practiced fully for the first time this week on Friday. Neaman’s absence leaves the Jets with only three active safety: Marcus Maye, Lamarcus Joyner and Sheldrick Redwine. They can add a security to the workout squad, Saleh said.
The Jets signed Ross Pierschbacher, an offensive line player, for the training squad. Selected for the fifth round by Washington in 2019, the former Alabama outfielder was on the training ground this year with the Eagles.