Crowder set to be ‘valuable’ option for rook

The poor protection Zach Wilson received during the Jets’ Week 1 loss garnered most of the attention. But the beating he took wasn’t the only reason the rookie quarterback struggled at the outset of his NFL opener.

The new face of the franchise was also without one of his top weapons, though that is expected to change Sunday afternoon against the Patriots when Wilson plays his first regular-season game at MetLife Stadium.

Veteran wideout Jamison Crowder, the team’s leading receiver the past two seasons, is projected to be back after missing the loss to the Panthers due to a bout with COVID-19.

“I think I can just do what I do, be a valuable option for Zach, do what I’ve been doing for six or seven years,” Crowder said. “Just go out there and make plays.”

Crowder was limited all week in practice as the Jets were cautious with the groin injury that predated his positive COVID-19 test, and head coach Robert Saleh only said he was on track to play. Crowder, however, plans to be in there. He only suffered mild symptoms from the virus and said his groin isn’t an issue.

“I feel pretty good for the most part,” he said. “Breathing and stuff feels back to normal.

Just a little sore.”

The 5-foot-9 Crowder has been one of the Jets’ best players the last two seasons, and easily their top offensive weapon.

In 2019, he caught a career-best 78 passes for 833 yards and six touchdowns. Last year, he hauled in 59 passes for 699 yards and six scores in just 12 games.

There were some doubts whether he would still fit, after the Jets added Corey Davis and Keelan Cole in free agency, and drafted Elijah Moore in the second round. But after Crowder agreed to restructure his contract, the Jets were thrilled to keep him around for multiple reasons. They liked having a veteran to help mentor the team’s young receivers and felt a skilled slot man such as Crowder could be a major asset for a young quarterback. His presence may also be able to free up the other Jets receivers.

“Just him being around in general is huge for us,” wide receivers coach Miles Austin said.

Bill Kostroun (2) GOOD TO GO: Jamison Crowder, who missed the Jets’ Week 1 loss to the Panthers because of a bout with COVID-19, is ready to make his season debut on Sunday against New England. The receiver says he feels “pretty good” and is ready to be a weapon for rookie quarterback Zach Wilson (below).