The Jets could be without one of their better defensive players Sunday.
In a surprise, No. 2 cornerback D.J. Reed didn’t practice Friday due to an ankle injury after being limited the previous two days and is being listed as questionable.
He was evaluated prior to the workout Friday, leading to the change in his status.
If Reed can’t go, Brandin Echols would be his likely replacement.
The Jets could choose to have Sauce Gardner travel with Titans star receiver Calvin Ridley, which is something they did at times in Week 1 against Brandon Aiyuk of the 49ers.
Aiyuk was limited to two catches for 28 yards.
“I mean, we’ll do that a little bit,” defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said Thursday. “We have a special talent in [Gardner]. He can do some things that are so unique and special. We’ll try to take advantage of them as best we can.”
Garrett Wilson’s goal for the offense Sunday is simple.
Progress.
What does that look like to the star receiver?
“Score points, be efficient, not go three-and-out,” he said Friday “Just play good football. You know when you see it.”
Wilson was encouraged by how the offense improved as the game went on against the 49ers.
Despite limited opportunities, the Jets scored three touchdowns and Aaron Rodgers showed he still has plenty left coming off his torn Achilles tendon at the age of 40.
Most impressive to Wilson were a few timing throws Rodgers made to Allen Lazard, one of which was a 36-yard touchdown pass on a free play when he drew the defense offsides.
“We got one of the best of all time, so we got to let him be the best of all time, is how I see it,” Wilson said. “He can really ball.”
Wilson wasn’t overly thrilled with his performance of six catches for 60 yards, particularly how he played late in the loss.
He’s still building chemistry with Rodgers.
That will come the more reps the two get together.
“It’s exciting. I play receiver, I’m an offensive guy, I like scoring points,” he said. “That’s the way to do it, explosive plays like [the throws to Lazard]. With a guy like [Rodgers], you can really do it.”
Coach Robert Saleh said the plan in the loss to the 49ers was for receiver Mike Williams to receive roughly 15 snaps.
It ended up being nine because the Jets’ offense was on the sideline so frequently.
Get the insider’s view on Gang Green
Sign up for Inside the Jets by Brian Costello, a weekly Sports+ exclusive.
Thank you
Williams, still working his way back from ACL surgery last October, should see a slightly bigger workload Sunday.
“If we could’ve [gotten] to a 65-play game like it normally would be, we would’ve been on pace, so yes, long story short, we are trying to get him on the field more,” Saleh said.
Cornerback Michael Carter II (ankle) and defensive lineman Micheal Clemons (triceps) practiced fully Friday.
Clemons, though, was listed as questionable.
Defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw (personal reasons) returned to practice on a limited basis. He will be active.
