New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley took another step closer to a highly anticipated return by partaking in Thursday’s practice.
Slowly but surely, the New York Jets are becoming whole again.
Linebacker C.J. Mosley cleared one of the biggest obstacles to returning to game action, as he partook in Thursday afternoon’s practice at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center.
In a video recorded by ESNY’s own Robby Sabo, Mosley partakes in agility drills with his fellow linebackers as they continue to prepare for Monday’s showdown with the New England Patriots (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN).
There he is, C.J. Mosley, on the practice field with his linebacker brothers looking fluid. #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/znGajmruIT
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) October 17, 2019
Mosley, 27, hasn’t appeared in a game since the Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He made a major impact prior to his departure induced by a groin injury that ha kept him out since. Mosley earned six tackles and an interception returned for a touchdown in the 17-16 defeat.
Head coach Adam Gase was cautiously optimistic on Wednesday in discussing Mosley’s availability for the rest of the week, remarking that Mosley was “making progress.” He further expounded upon just how important Mosley was to the team’s well-being.
“(Mosley is) as impactful as getting a starting quarterback back. It’s that impactful,” Gase said, per transcripts provided by the Jets. “I think we’re just taking this minute-to-minute. At the end of the day, we want to make the right decision, whatever we decide to do. I think this is just going to be more than just me saying, ‘Hey, it looks good,’ and the trainers. I think this is going to be full organization, C.J. involved, as far as what’s the best thing for him.”
Asked what he misses the most about the former Baltimore Raven, Gase touted his playmaking abilities and leadership.
“He gets his hands on the ball, he cleans up a lot of things,” Gase said. “If we call a run-fit, he gets involved in the tackle. He can mask any kind of errors. He’s a very intelligent player that’s seen a lot of football. He sees things coming that a lot of younger guys don’t. At the end of the day, the guy’s one of our captains, he’s a really good leader.”
The Jets (1-4) previously welcomed back Sam Darnold from a medical absence last Sunday. Like Mosley, Darnold had not played since the Buffalo opener. The quarterback engineered a happy homecoming, as the Jets took a 24-22 decision from the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium.