Jeff

Cumberland

The Jets backup tight end injured himself attempting to pull in a touchdown. The team should have an update after tomorrow’s MRI, though we’re hearing the team fears a torn Achilles. An injury of that nature would sideline Cumberland for the remainder of the season.

Cumberland let a sure touchdown hit him in the chest, and injured himself falling to the ground at the end of the play. Matthew Mulligan will see action in Cumberland’s absence.

“I’m feeling real well,” Cumberland said. “I’m out there doing everything else everybody is doing.” Cumberland will have to be fully healthy to compete for a roster spot in training camp.

Smith, 6'7/240, is a rugby player originally from Penrith, Australia. He attended Metropolitan State in Denver, where he was also captain of the basketball team. The Jets are looking for tight end depth behind Dustin Keller.

Incumbent blocking specialist Matthew Mulligan signed with the Rams. With receiving-first options Dustin Keller, Jeff Cumberland, and Hayden Smith headlining the position, the Jets put an unsuccessful waiver claim in on Brody Eldridge. Available free agents include Kris Wilson, Billy Bajema, and John Gilmore.

According to beat writer Manish Mehta, the Jets “hope” Cumberland can return following their Week 9 bye. Cumberland has 14 catches through the Jets’ first seven games, but his absence shouldn’t be a major concern with Dustin Keller (hamstring) finally back to full health.

Keller hasn’t played since aggravating his hamstring pull in Week 1. Jeff Cumberland is on track for another start against the Texans Monday night. Cumberland has posted eight catches for 55 yards and no touchdowns over the last three weeks.

Veteran WR Jason Hill was released in a corresponding move. Smith’s promotion means Jeff Cumberland (hand) will not play on Sunday against the Dolphins. Smith is an undrafted rookie out of Metropolitan State in Colorado.

Keller appeared to have a setback in practice leading up to this one. Jeff Cumberland, who had two catches for 13 yards when Keller sat last week, draws the start once again.

Cumberland departed in the first quarter, and wasn’t spotted again before halftime. Dustin Keller’s backup had one catch for four yards before doing down.