Coach Saleh clears COVID-19 protocols, returns to team along with key players
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The Jets got their head coach back on Wednesday. And a few key players, too.
With new NFL COVID protocols going into effect on Tuesday night, Robert Saleh and multiple players were able to return to the team’s Florham Park practice facility.
The returning players to the active roster included starting slot cornerback Michael Carter II, defensive lineman and former Uconn standout Foley Fatukasi, backup QB Joe Flacco, defensive tackle Jonathan Marshall, linebacker Hamsah Nasirildeen and tight end Kenny Yeboah.
Linebacker Noah Dawkins, cornerback Lamar Jackson and defensive lineman Tanzel Smart returned to the practice squad.
The NFL and NFLPA agreed to alter the league’s COVID protocols on Tuesday after new CDC guidelines were released. The CDC cut the isolation period after a positive test for asymptomatic individuals from 10 days to five days.
That’s why the Jets were able to activate so many players Wednesday after playing Sunday’s game against the Jaguars with 19 players unavailable due to NFL protocols. And most importantly, Saleh is back after missing a 26-21 win over the Jaguars after testing positive last Wednesday.
“It’s like the first day of school ,” sal eh said .“ready to go another 18 weeks.”
Saleh returned to the building after having isolated himself at a local hotel, but the Jets were still meeting virtually. They only gathered as a group for practice and the rookie head coach said he was pleased with the professionalism the Jets demonstrated amidst the chaos.
“What I love is the character of our locker room. The way they’ve attacked this and the way they’ve kept the spirits up and the way the zoom meetings have been very interactive. And now we’ll get to see practice here in a minute, but guys have a tremendous mindset to them. They’ve been completely locked in. ...
“The locker room is in a good place and ready to attack some of this.”
The Jets are “hopeful” other players on the COVID-19 list will return this week as the Jets prepare for Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-4) on Sunday afternoon at Metlife Stadium (left guard Alijah VeraTucker, right guard Laurent Duvernay-tardif and wide receiver Vyncint Smith on the offensive side of the ball along with defensive ends John Franklin-myers and Hamilcar Rashed and safety Ashytn Davis).
Saleh was less optimistic about the remaining group still in COVID protocols for Sunday’s game. He labeled this group — tight end Tyler Kroft, cornerback Bryce Hall, defensive lineman Jabari Zuniga, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and practice squad linebacker Laroy Reynolds — “50-50.”