Jets News
Jets Receiver Battle Heats Up for Thursday Night
Adonai Mitchell could debut for the New York Jets on Thursday night against New England after sitting out Week 10.
The Jets acquired Mitchell from Indianapolis on Nov. 4 in the trade that sent cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Colts. Mitchell remained inactive for the team’s Week 10 victory over Cleveland as he learned the playbook. Head coach Aaron Glenn indicated Mitchell needs more preparation time before taking the field.
Mitchell joined the Jets alongside two first-round picks in the package for Gardner. The Indianapolis front office moved on from the receiver after he dropped the ball at the goal line against Los Angeles in Week 4, costing his team a touchdown in a game they lost by seven points.
The matchup presents challenges for any Jets receiver. New England enters Thursday on a seven-game winning streak. The Patriots’ defense allows 20.1 points per game, seventh-best in the league. Their pass defense ranks among the NFL’s top units, limiting opposing quarterbacks throughout the season.
Tyler Johnson figures to see increased opportunities regardless of Mitchell’s status. The veteran has appeared in eight games this season with 10 receptions for 187 yards. Johnson caught passes in back-to-back games before the Week 9 bye but failed to haul in his only target against Cleveland in Week 10.
The receiver situation grew more complicated when Garrett Wilson left Sunday’s game with a knee injury. Wilson reaggravated the same knee that had sidelined him for Weeks 7 and 8. Testing on Monday revealed a sprain that will sideline him for three to four weeks.
Wilson managed zero catches on three targets before exiting in the third quarter. His absence leaves the Jets without their clear number-one option. Wilson had recorded 36 catches for 395 yards and four touchdowns through seven games before the latest setback.
Glenn has not committed to a starting quarterback for Thursday’s game. Justin Fields started against Cleveland but completed just six of 11 passes for 54 yards. Most of that production came on a 42-yard screen pass touchdown to Breece Hall. Fields threw for only 12 yards on his other completions in the 27-20 victory.
The Jets activated several receivers for Week 10, including John Metchie, who made his debut after arriving in a trade with Philadelphia. Arian Smith and Isaiah Williams round out the depth chart. Allen Lazard has been a healthy scratch in recent weeks despite his veteran status.
Mitchell brings physical tools that intrigue the Jets coaching staff. He stands 6-foot-2 and ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at his pro day. The Jets believe their system can help Mitchell develop into a reliable target after his struggles in Indianapolis. Thursday’s game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. Eastern time from Gillette Stadium. The Patriots have won 13 of their last 14 home games against the Jets. New England opened as a 12.5-point favorite.
The Jets have won consecutive games for the first time this season. They sit at 2-7 overall with nine games remaining. New England leads the AFC East at 8-2.
