In the team’s 20-14 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, the New York Jets were down two of their top players. And top of their top cornerbacks to be exact.
Despite the absences of both Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed, the Jets used three interceptions to rally for the team’s biggest win under coach Robert Saleh. The Jets scraped by with a backup cornerback (Bryce Hall) and two practice squad players (Craig James and Tae Hayes) on the outside, as the team’s top two CBs were both in the concussion protocol.
The defense stepped up in a big way against the defending NFC champions, but if the Jets want to continue to play at a high level, they’re going to need both Gardner and Reed at full strength. Both Reed and Gardner were at practice this week and were full participants on Thursday, seemingly clearing their final hurdle in their return.
That was officially confirmed Friday, as Saleh announced that both corners have cleared concussion protocol and will be active for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants.
Coach Saleh announced that both Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed have cleared concussion protocol.
They're back. pic.twitter.com/Kh1mJKxZmB
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 27, 2023
Those in the NFL world were quick to react to the huge update on New York’s injured cornerbacks.
https://twitter.com/meagannfrankk/status/1717925902250606770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1717925902250606770%7Ctwgr%5E0f4dd4ca593636bd8255c7d775db30301bed3880%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublish.twitter.com%2F%3Fquery%3Dhttps3A2F2Ftwitter.com2Fmeagannfrankk2Fstatus2F1717925902250606770widget%3DTweet
https://t.co/IvXptvI5tq pic.twitter.com/xcmmWgrRdv
— Joe Caporoso (@JCaporoso) October 27, 2023
Need an INT for one of them this weekend https://t.co/I4rOwbMxsf
— JUSS (@jusstnc) October 27, 2023
It’s a new age! We are witnessing the beginning of a new era lol 😂 https://t.co/oSMctsiyko
— Cromartie Jr. (@SpyroKush) October 27, 2023
Excellent. Now announce Rodgers off IR https://t.co/qhmsra1fql
— Jack (he is risen) (@actionjack69) October 27, 2023
https://t.co/55HWGxx9nv pic.twitter.com/DAoGgevvnH
— Paulie Bruz (@PaulieBruz_) October 27, 2023
Let’s goooooooooo https://t.co/qIFmaBq591
— The Jet Press (@TheJetPress) October 27, 2023
As the Jets look to improve to 4-3, they’ll have the NFL’s best cornerback tandem back healthy against Tyrod Taylor and the Giants.
