Kene

Nwangwu

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.

Nwangwu was with the Jets for the entire season, but hardly ever saw the field on offense until Week 18 when the team was without its top three running backs. He’s a good kick returner, albeit one who struggled with injuries this season. Nwangwu carried the ball 13 times for 49 yards and will enter free agency in 2026 as a veteran kick returner option.

When asked if Hall will play, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said, “we’ll see.” Glenn has played coy with most start-sit decisions in the Jets’ 3-13 season. No reason to stop now. Hall logged just two limited sessions to close the week. He is scheduled to enter free agency at the end of the season. Preserving his health for free agency could be the smart move. He may wish to put his stamp on the season with a strong showing, though. It would be difficult to project his playing time if he is active. Treat him as a volatile RB2 if he suits up. His backup, RB Isaiah Davis (concussion), has been ruled out, leaving Kene Nwangwu (quad) and Khalil Herbert behind Hall.

Hall told reporters that his knee was fine post-game. Hopefully, this is just a maintenance day, but his practice participation is worth following. His backup, RB Isaiah Davis (concussion), was also sidelined on Wednesday. The Jets list RBs Kene Nwangwu (quad) and Khalil Herbert in the Nos. 3 and 4 spots, respectively. Nwangwu is practicing fully.

Davis suffered the brain injury on a kickoff at the top of the fourth quarter. He was initially listed as questionable to return. The team later ruled him out. Kene Nwangwu took his spot in the lineup. Breece Hall suffered a knee injury late in the contest as well. Nwangwu could draw the start if Davis and Hall can’t go.

Backup nickel Isaiah Oliver will presumably take over in Carter’s absence. Carter, who was a DNP all week, was unable to clear concussion protocol in time for Sunday’s Week 5 matchup and will now eye a Week 6 game against the Broncos for his targeted return date. While Carter is sidelined this weekend, Glenn said RB/KR Kene Nwangwu (hamstring) could be a game-time decision.

Johnson suffered an ankle injury in Week 2’s loss to the Bills and was a DNP all week. His absence shouldn’t come as a surprise, given his inactivity on Wednesday and Thursday. Now, the fourth-year pass rusher will hope to return in Week 4 for a Monday night matchup against the Dolphins. In addition to Johnson, the Jets also ruled out Josh Reynolds (hamstring), Kene Nwangwu (hamstring), and Jay Tufele (illness) for Week 3.

We wouldn’t be surprised if Nwangwu sat out the rest of the day with the injury. He’d been returning kicks for the Jets and wasn’t a factor in the offense.

Nwangwu had a brutal 2024 season, taking home AFC Special Teams Player of the Week in his lone active showing. At 27 years old, the speedy returner should have a fruitful special teams season, pending good health.