The Jets rookie class is limping to the finish line.
The Jets now have three members of this year’s draft class on injured reserve — cornerback Azareye’h Thomas, linebacker Kiko Mauigoa and edge Tyler Baron — and one more who is not playing Sunday in Mason Taylor.
It means these rookies are missing some key opportunities to get extra playing time in the final games of the season.
There is not much for the Jets to get out of these games with a 3-12 record, but getting some extra development of their rookies would be a plus.
“Absolutely,” Jets coach Aaron Glenn said when asked if he is disappointed these rookies are missing time. “Man, you’re always disappointed, anybody that’s hurt that you’re counting on to go out there and play for you, but especially the rookies because those reps are valuable for all those guys. You see what the reps that our rookies are getting right now and how they’re performing, but for those guys, man, our draft picks, you would want those guys out there playing for you.”
The Jets will have right tackle Armand Membou, safety Malachi Moore and wide receiver Arian Smith in the lineup Sunday against the Patriots.
They also have three undrafted free agents in the starting lineup right now — quarterback Brady Cook, safety Dean Clark and nickel Jordan Clark.
Clark and Clark have been part of a secondary group that has three rookies starting along with Moore at safety, and second-year cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers makes it a very youthful group.
That can create some issues in games but it also is giving the Jets a chance to evaluate these players.
“We don’t want any injuries to happen, but when they do happen, this gives guys an opportunity to go out there and play and really get us a chance to evaluate those guys,” Glenn said. “So, for those three rookies to go out there and get as many reps as they’ve been getting, it’s been huge for us to see exactly where they are. And not just that, even with [Stiggers], Stiggs going out and starting at corner for us for the last couple of games, we can see exactly where he’s at. I think he’s been doing a really good job for us.
“But again, as we go through this end of the season, man, being able to look at each and every one of those guys and what they bring to the table has been critical for their development and also for us to evaluate them.”
Could the Jets have another quarterback play this season? The team elevated Hendon Hooker from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.
Tyrod Taylor did not practice Friday due to personal reasons but had no injury designation. The Jets placed Justin Fields on IR this week.
The Jets signed WR Quentin Skinner, DB Tre Brown and OL Marquis Hayes to the active roster.
