Rich CiminiESPN Staff Writer Oct 27, 2023, 11:36am ET2 Minute Read
The New York Jets’ secondary is healthy again as cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed cleared concussion protocol on Friday and will return to the lineup on Sunday against the New York Giants.
The Jets played without both starters in their last game, but managed to defeat the heavily favored Philadelphia Eagles 20-14. Reed missed two games due to his concussion, which occurred in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
After the bye week, both players returned to full practice Wednesday, leaving the Jets (3-3) optimistic about facing the Giants (2-5) at MetLife Stadium.
“It allows for flexibility on defense and allows you to be — not more creative, but it allows you to do some things that you normally wouldn’t do without those two guys,” coach Robert Saleh said before Friday’s practice.
Looking for their third straight win, the Jets will face a Giants offense without quarterback Daniel Jones, who is out for the third straight week with a neck injury. Tyrod Taylor will start again for the Giants.
The Jets used a patchwork lineup against the Eagles, using rarely used Bryce Hall and promoting cornerbacks Craig James and Tae Hayes from the practice squad. Nickelback Michael Carter II left late in the game with a hamstring injury, but the Jets still managed to intercept Jalen Hurts three times.
“[The fill-ins] I just did an exceptional job out there,” defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said. “I look out there and they’re covering AJ Brown, they’re covering.” [DeVonta] Smith, they cover real receivers in this league and with a real quarterback that will make you pay. I’m so proud of the guys who stepped up for our defense.”
Carter was limited in practice this week but is expected to play on Sunday.
In other injury news, rookie right guard Joe Tippmann (quadriceps) has been ruled out. He will be replaced by the experienced Wes Schweitzer, the third player to start at right defense.