The linebacker will play for the first time since kickoff weekend but the New York Jets remain shorthanded in the position for Monday’s game.
The New York Jets picked up a big win after welcoming back an offensive star last week. They’re hoping the return of a defensive stud will ignite a streak on Monday.
Linebacker C.J. Mosley will partake in Monday night’s showdown with the New England Patriots (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN). It will be the newcomer’s first action since the opening weekend loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Mosley, brought over last summer from Baltimore, had six tackles against the Bills and also earned two pass defenses and a 17-yard interception return for a touchdown. He has been sidelined with a groin injury since the second half of that game. The Jets led 16-0 when Mosley departed, but fell 17-16 in the wake of his forced departure.
Jets head coach Adam Gase expressed excitement at Mosley’s return earlier this week.
“It’s like getting your quarterback back on the defense,” Gase said on Friday, per transcripts provided by the Jets. “We saw it for a half, he scored more points than the offense for a few games. It will be great, if he’s back out there for us, that’s a big deal for us.”
Despite Mosley’s return, it’s not all bright news for the Jets at the position.
Albert McClellan (concussion) had already been declared out for Monday via the Friday injury report while Neville Hewitt (neck/knee) was listed as doubtful. The absence of both linebackers was confirmed upon the release of Monday’s inactive list. With McClellan and Hewitt officially out, Mosley and Blake Cashman are the only active inside linebackers on the roster.
Assistance could come from edge rushers Brandon Copeland and Harvey Langi, both of whom have experience on the inside. Regular inside starter Avery Williamson was lost for the season after suffering a torn ACL during a preseason game in Atlanta.
Other inactive Jets include running back Trenton Cannon, offensive linemen Kelvin Beachum and Kelechi Osemele, tight end Chris Herndon, and defensive lineman Henry Anderson.
