Joseph

Ossai

This was always expected to be the case, but head coach Aaron Glenn said on Friday, while speaking with the media, that Cooper, RB/KR Kene Nwangwu (back), S Minkah Fitzpatrick (groin), and EDGE Joseph Ossai (foot) will all miss Sunday’s game against the Packers. It was reported earlier this week that the Jets are hoping to have Cooper back “within the next four weeks,” so it wouldn’t be surprising if he also missed Week 3’s game against the Lions.

The Jets have not released their final injury report, but this news comes from head coach Aaron Glenn, who spoke with the media Friday morning. Ponds was a limited participant in each of the team’s first two practices this week, but the belief is he hasn’t had enough time to be ready for the season opener. It doesn’t sound like the second-round rookie has suffered any setbacks in his recovery, so hopefully he’ll be on track to make his debut in Week 2 against the Packers. Glenn also said RB Kene Nwangwu (back) is doubtful while EDGE Joseph Ossai (foot) and WR Tim Patrick (groin) will be held out of Sunday’s game.

He’s an IR possibility ahead of Week 1. Ossai, signed in the offseason from the Bengals, was expected to be a big part of the Jets rotation on the edge. His absence will elevate playing time for Will McDonald and Kingsley Enagbare.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the deal includes "$22.5 million fully guaranteed.” The No. 69 overall pick of the 2021 draft, Ossai played out his rookie deal with the Bengals before tacking on an extra year last season. More of a rotational pass rusher than true difference-making EDGE threat, Ossai theoretically still offers upside at age 26 (next month). He is still nevertheless the kind of player who fills out a defense rather than elevate it.

Higgins still hasn’t cleared concussion protocol, but the questionable designation suggests he could have a chance to clear it before Sunday’s game. His status will be one to watch heading into the weekend, but if Higgins is unable to go, Mitchell Tinsley would again see an expanded role in his absence. While Higgins is questionable, TE Noah Fant (ankle), DE Joseph Ossai (ankle), and WR Charlie Jones (ankle) have all been ruled out.

The Bengals are working to rebuild their defensive front, following DE Trey Hendrickson’s trade request and DE Sam Hubbard’s retirement. They re-signed DT B.J. Hill earlier today, now bring back Ossai. Ossai posted career-highs in both QB pressures (31) and sacks (five) last season and at just 24 years old, he has the chance to take another developmental step this season.

Ossai played through this injury last season, appearing in 16 regular season games and all three of their postseason contests. The second-year pass rusher totaled 3.5 sacks and two TFLs after missing his 2021 rookie campaign with a torn meniscus. Ossai should be ready for training camp.

Ossai was caught on video sprinting at the practice, but Taylor also admitted that Ossai had another procedure done to his knee “to help the process.” Ossai tore his meniscus in the first game of the preseason in 2021. He may be a PUP candidate as training camp opens. Ossai will start the second season of his career, if healthy, as the rotational pass rusher that the Bengals really needed last year behind Sam Hubbard and Tre Hendrickson.

Ossai, a third-round pick, flashed before going down, sacking Tom Brady and posting five QB pressures in his debut. It’s a hit to an already thin Bengals’ pass rush, leaving Amani Bledsoe, Khalid Kareem, and fourth-rounder Cam Sample behind starters Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard. The Bengals signed Noah Spence to replace Ossai on the roster. Ossai, 21, should be fully healthy ahead of next year’s training camp.

Chase, who joins his former LSU QB Joe Burrow in Cincinnati, is the highest 2021 draft pick to sign his rookie deal, a four-year, $30.8 million fully guaranteed contract with a $19.7 million signing bonus. In 2019, Chase led the nation with 1,780 receiving yards (21.2 yards per reception) and 20 touchdowns. He was 17th among college receivers with 84 receptions in LSU’s Burrow-led offense. In a Bengals offense with 195 vacated targets, Chase could be among the NFL’s most targeted wideouts in Cincy’s pass-heavy offense. The Bengals also signed third-round draft pick DE Joseph Ossai on Wednesday.