The New York Jets are aiming to turn their season around on Sunday as they face off against the New England Patriots.
In a significant move leading up to the game, the Jets activated All-Pro edge rusher Haason Reddick, who had been holding out from the team earlier in the season.
New York is counting on Reddick to make an immediate impact in this crucial divisional matchup.
To make room for Reddick on the roster, the Jets released veteran edge rusher Takkarist McKinley.
McKinley, in his first and only season with the Jets, recorded nine total tackles and half a sack in seven games.
The former first-round pick has now played for seven different NFL teams over eight seasons.
In addition to releasing McKinley, the Jets made several other roster moves ahead of the Patriots game.
Offensive lineman Alec Lindstrom and defensive back Jarius Monroe were elevated, as offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and safety Ashtyn Davis have already been ruled out for Sunday.
Although McKinley’s stint with the Jets was underwhelming, the team has high hopes for Reddick’s impact.
Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich spoke about the decision to bring Reddick up after less than a week of practice.
“[He] had a good week of work with us,” Ulbrich said. “He’s just such an experienced guy.
He’s been in so many systems, so picking up ours wasn’t super difficult for him. He really put in the extra time to learn it and, physically, he looked good out there.
So, we’re excited about what he’ll contribute to our rush group.”
