Make New York Post a Preferred Source A thin Jets group keeps getting thinner.
The pass-catching options available for Geno Smith are dwindling, though it could open the door for rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq to see a bigger role.
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Receiver Adonai Mitchell’s status is uncertain for Sunday’s game against the Lions in Detroit. He was a limited participant in practice Friday for the second straight day after getting his finger caught in a defender’s jersey during Thursday’s practice. He was wearing a wrap on his right hand during Friday’s practice, with his index and middle fingers taped together.
And tight end Mason Taylor is out with a thumb injury.
The Jets were already without receivers Omar Cooper Jr., who is on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain, and Arian Smith, who is out for the year after tearing his ACL.
It could mean Sadiq will be more involved in the passing game and give him an opportunity to break out in the way they envisioned when they drafted him with the No. 16 overall pick.
Sadiq recorded five catches for 38 yards across the first two games, though he had a rushing touchdown in the season-opening win over the Titans. He’s only been targeted six times.
“I learned a lot,” Sadiq told The Post after practice Friday. “The game is definitely much faster. People are just a lot more technically sound. At the end of the day, it’s just like, don’t overcomplicate things. Just go out there and do the same thing you know how to do in college.”
Sadiq will see a blueprint on the other sideline Sunday in Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, who delivered the type of rookie-year impact the Jets would be thrilled to get from Sadiq, recording 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023.
“I’ve definitely watched film on him,” Sadiq said. “He does a really good job in both the run and pass game. His catch point, creating separation from the top, just being kind of elusive and sneaky, he’s really good at. He’s definitely fun to watch.”
If Mitchell doesn’t play, it would likely mean Isaiah Williams would be the No. 2 receiver behind Garrett Wilson, though he had a nightmarish showing in the team’s Week 2 loss to the Packers with a muffed punt and multiple penalties.
Head coach Aaron Glenn said the Jets will elevate either Sterling Shepard or Tyler Johnson from the practice squad as a depth receiver option.
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Jason Sanders will again be the Jets kicker Sunday. It will be the last time the Jets can elevate him from the practice squad. They’ll have to sign him to the active roster if they want him to be the kicker going forward.
Edge rusher Joseph Ossai has yet to make his Jets debut this year due to a foot injury. He was a full participant in practice Friday, though he is questionable for Sunday.
S Minkah Fitzpatrick (groin) and LB Kiko Mauigoa (quad) are out.
