The New York Jets WR corps may be getting an additional veteran boost with the return of Jermaine Kearse in Week 2 against the Dolphins. Here’s what head coach Todd Bowles had to say about his possible return.
The New York Jets receiving corps is getting some reinforcements for their Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Veteran wideout Jermaine Kearse appeared on the injury report in the last couple weeks of the preseason with an abdomen injury. Both Kearse and head coach Todd Bowles refused to divulge any more information on the injury leading into Week 1.
In Bowles’ initial presser of the week on Tuesday, he revealed that Kearse ‘was close’ to playing against the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football but the team wanted to be cautious. Bowles said it wasn’t a game-time decision, because he had already decided earlier in the week he wouldn’t play Jermaine, which all but indicates he’ll be ready to make his 2018 debut in the home opener against the Dolphins.
Kearse was acquired in the Sheldon Richardson trade last August and he ended up having a career year in receptions (65), yards (810), and touchdowns (five) last season.
It didn’t seem like the New York Jets missed their record-breaking receiver on Monday Night Football with a 48-17 beatdown of the Lions in the season opener. But he’ll be a welcomed addition to the team with his knowledge of the offense, his reliability, and his rapport with Darnold.
Speaking of rapport seven different Jets caught a pass Monday night including Quincy Enunwa who made his first appearance in an NFL game since his bulging disc injury ruled him out for the 2017 season. His six receptions and 63 yards both led the team.
Now the Jets have a first world problem on their hands. Who gets the playing time? There’s only so much to go around and with Terrelle Pryor, Enunwa, Robby Anderson, and now Jermaine Kearse in the mix, it seems a bit crowded. Kearse is in the last year of his deal for $5 million.
