We've signed T Eric Smith off NE's practice squad and placed WR Rishard Matthews on IR.
? https://t.co/PdUoBCv6sA pic.twitter.com/EhBmMM837d
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 18, 2018
The veteran receiver had two receptions with the New York Jets, including one on Saturday, after joining the team in October.
Rishard Matthews’ first, and perhaps only, season with the New York Jets is over.
The veteran receiver was placed on injured reserve on Monday. The designation was announced by the team two days after Matthews left the Jets’ Saturday game against Houston with a hamstring injury.
We've signed T Eric Smith off NE's practice squad and placed WR Rishard Matthews on IR.
? https://t.co/PdUoBCv6sA pic.twitter.com/EhBmMM837d
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 18, 2018
Matthews earned two receptions for 13 yards, both of which came in the Jets’ two most recent games. Signed on Oct. 23, he ends the season with five catches for 24 yards and no touchdowns, all career-lows. He is two years removed from a career-high 945 yards and nine touchdowns.
[membership level="0"] [/membership]Set to become a free agent, Matthews, 29, previously played in Miami and Tennessee. He earned 1,740 yards and 13 touchdowns over the past two seasons with the Titans. Matthews had asked for a release from Tennessee due to a lack of playing time and targets. He failed to earn both in New York. For example, Matthews partook in a mere three snaps in Dec. 9’s win in Buffalo.
Taking Matthews’ spot on the roster is Eric Smith, an offensive tackle from the New England Patriots’ practice squad. An undrafted second-year man from Virginia, Smith spent time on Miami’s active roster last season but, did not appear in any games. He was released by the Dolphins on Sept. 1 and signed to New England’s practice squad two days later.
The Jets will play their 2018 home finale on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers (1:00 p.m. ET, Fox).
