Darnold’s favorite target expected back in lineup Thursday night
There is help on the way for Sam Darnold and the Jets.
Jamison Crowder, who has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, said Tuesday he feels good about his chances to play Thursday night against the Broncos at MetLife Stadium. The wide receiver’s return could be a boost for a hapless Jets offense.
“It’s frustrating, just not being able to be out there and help as much as I can,” Crowder said. “So I feel good to know I’m going to have the opportunity to get back out there Thursday.”
Crowder, who was Darnold’s top target a year ago, caught seven passes for 115 yards and a touchdown in the season-opening loss to the Bills before going down with the hamstring issue. He said he is confident he can get through a full game Thursday without re-injuring himself.
“Anytime you can get your best receiver back on the f ield, it gets you f ired up a little bit,” coach Adam Gase said.
The Jets are poised to be healthier Thursday than they have been in recent weeks. Gase indicated right tackle George Fant (concussion) and cornerback Quincy Wilson (concussion) could also be back after missing Sunday’s loss to the Colts while left tackle Mekhi Becton (shoulder) and linebacker Jordan Jenkins (shoulder) remain on track to play.
“All those guys will be able to do our walkthrough, hopefully we can get all these guys to the game and be able to be a lot healthier than what we’ve been,” Gase said.
After facing Josh Allen, Jimmy Garoppolo and Philip Rivers to start the season, the Jets will take on Brett Rypien. Broncos coach Vic Fangio announced Rypien as his starter Tuesday after the former Boise State quarter back had replaced Jeff Driskel during Sunday’s game. Both are filling in for the injured Drew Lock.
“He is very smart ,” defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said of Rypien.
Williams said he isn’t typically one for postgame
talks with the opponent, but he did make time for Rivers on Sunday.
“We tease about, sportsmanship’s way overrated at this level,” the controversial Williams said. “But Philip and I go way back. He hollered at me and I went over and had t he respect to talk to him.”
WR Jeff Smith is set to be activated off injured reserve after suffering a shoulder injury in training camp. … WR Bre - shad Per r iman (ankle) and LB Jordan Willis (ankle) would not have practiced Tuesday if the Jets had held one. Becton, Crowder, Fant, Jenkins, Wilson, S Ashtyn Davis (groin), WR Chris Hogan (ribs/knee) and DL John Fran k lin-Myers (knee) would have been limited.