New season, same results for the Jets. After an offseason filled with promise and hope for an improved team, Gang Green finds itself in a familiar position after four games: last in the AFC East with a 1-3 record.
While there's still time for the Jets to turn their season around , things aren't looking so bright in Gotham. Injuries to both sides of the ball have derailed the team, forcing general manager Darren Mougey to constantly make moves to strengthen the depth.
As a result, the Jets' practice squad has undergone significant changes since it was first announced at the start of September, and this article breaks down all the moving pieces.
With that said, let's take a look at the practice squad when it was first announced compared to what it looks like today.
CB Mory Bamba
OL Brant Banks
WR Cam Cooper
DB Jordan Clark
DL Paschal Ekeji
OL Marquis Hayes
DL Jack Heflin
RB Al-Jay Henderson
LB Jaden Keller
EDGE Nate Lynn
OL Kohl Levao
WR Malik McClain
OL Xavier Newman-Johnson
DL Payton Page
WR Jamaal Pritchett
LB Troy Teeder
K Jason Sanders
LB Trevin Wallace
CB Samuel Womack III
QB Bailey Zappe
CB Mory Bamba
OL Brant Banks
DB Jordan Clark
OL Nick Dawkins
DL Paschal Ekeji
K Blake Grupe
TE Cody Hardy
RB Al-Jay Henderson
WR Tyler Johnson
LB Jaden Keller
QB Will Levis
DL Isaiahh Loudermilk
OL Jimmy Morissey
DL Payton Page
WR Sterling Shepard
EDGE Nathan Voorhis
CB Samuel Womack III
Bamba, Banks, Clark, Ekeji, Henderson, Keller, Page, and Womack are the eight players who have been on the practice squad since the beginning of the season. Of the eight, Keller is the only one who's been elevated to the 53-man roster, playing 15 special teams snaps in last week's loss to the Bears.
While Clark hasn't been elevated, he signed to the active roster following the injury to Minkah Fitzpatrick in Week 1. Clark played 17 snaps on special teams before being released and signed back to the practice squad last week.
If another injury occurs to the linebackers or safeties room, we should expect Clark and Keller to either be elevated or signed to the active roster. For the others, meanwhile, it's hard to say that they'll be brought up anytime soon.
Jordan Clark will likely remain one of the Jets' most important practice squad players this season. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Since the Jets have a tight rotation at cornerback, defensive line, and offensive line, there are two reasons for them to see playing time: more injuries or a late-season scenario in which New York is eliminated from playoff contention.
The Jets moved on from Cooper, Hayes, Newman and Zappe. Cooper, Hayes, and Zappe remain free agents, while Newman is on the Patriots' practice squad. New York briefly had John Saunders Jr. on the unit, but released him last week.
Heflin, Levao, Lynn, McClain, Pritchett, Sanders and Wallace have all signed to the active roster. Heflin was called up and has played 24 defensive snaps in two games after David Onyemata was placed on injured reserve . He hasn't made much of an impact yet, though, leaving Heflin's spot on the active roster uncertain once Onyemata returns.
With numerous injuries to the receivers room, New York signed McClain and Pritchett to bolster New York's depth at the position. McClain has appeared in 19 offensive snaps over two games, but he hasn't made the most of his opportunity, as he still hasn't been targeted.
Pritchett hasn't played on offense, but he was tasked with kick return duties in Week 3 and returned one for 27 yards. If Pritchett wants to stay, he'll have to step it up, as with Kene Nwangwu back, there isn't much room for him.
With Grupe unable to instill confidence in the coaching staff, the team rolled with Sanders for the kicking job in Week 1. Converting on seven of his attempts over four games, Sanders has established himself as New York's starting kicker.
The Jets have added nine players to the practice squad, but only Grupe and Shepard are worth keeping an eye on.
Despite earning a roster spot, Grupe didn't attempt a single kick for the Jets. Clearly, the Jets weren't impressed with his play in practice and turned to Sanders, who took advantage of the opportunity.
But stashing Grupe on the practice squad is a bit eye-opening. While you can say it's for emergency depth, you could argue they did this so that there's still pressure on Sanders to perform well, or he, too, could end up losing the spot.
What Jason Sanders does moving forward could impact how long Blake Grupe remains on the Jets' practice squad. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Meanwhile, Shepard brings plenty of experience to a receiver corps that has dealt with injuries. So far, he's played in two games, recording one catch (on two targets) for three yards and converting a two-point attempt.
Once Cooper and Mitchell come back, Shepard will likely stay on the practice squad. But if Isaiah Williams doesn't build on last week's performance, don't be surprised if New York calls on Shepard to take some of his reps.
Not everyone is waiting on an injury to create an opportunity. Players like Bamba and Voorhis are developmental projects the team hopes will become contributors down the road.
Ultimately, this Jets practice squad offers a perfect blend of serviceable backups, emergency depth, and developmental players. While the group has changed considerably, it still gives New York options to turn to.
Get Jets On SI straight to your inbox: sign up for our free newsletter here.
This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/jets/onsi as What's Changed (and What Hasn't) About the Jets' Practice Squad 1 Month Into NFL Season .
