The New York Jets made moves to address their depth after Omar Cooper Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick got hurt.
The New York Jets have made moves to address their depth after Omar Cooper Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick got injured.
New York signed Sterling Shepard and Tyler Johnson to the practice squad and elevated Jordan Clark to their 53-man roster from the practice squad.
Cooper Jr. (sprained ankle) is considered week-to-week, with the hope that he returns within the next four weeks, sources told the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The rookie was injured in the first quarter of the Jets' Week 1 win against the Tennessee Titans.
Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick (groin) will miss 2–3 weeks, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The Jets acquired Fitzpatrick from the Miami Dolphins in the offseason. Fitzpatrick played just six snaps against the Titans.
Fitzpatrick is a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro. He has 21 career interceptions.
NYJ became the first team in NFL history not to record a defensive interception and to lose five straight games by 23 or more points within a single season in 2025. The Jets acquired Fitzpatrick to help them get interceptions.
This is a tough blow for the Jets, who face the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. Other players must step up while Fitzpatrick is sidelined.
"We put the preparation in through the week and guys were champing at the bit to get out here and start the season," CB Brandon Stephens said after the Jets beat the Titans. "We were just clicking on all cylinders: offense, defense, special teams."
The Jets didn't record an interception against the Titans, but they got three sacks and forced seven punts.
Head coach Aaron Glenn is calling defensive plays this season. So far, so good.
"I'm proud of our guys," Glenn said after Week 1. "It's just a testament to everything those guys have been through going from OTAs to training camp and we still have so much more that we have to clean up.
Dane Belton and Andre Cisco likely will be the two starters, with Malachi Moore in reserve.
The Jets have gone 18 straight games without an interception, the longest drought in league history.
Let's see if that changes in Week 2 against Jordan Love.
