Up until last Wednesday, Allen Lazard had prepared for the Jets’ Black Friday game as usual.

There were no conversations about getting benched.

Nothing about a lineup shift.

That’s why Lazard, who signed a four-year, $44 million contract last offseason, was “caught off guard” when he found out about being inactive that day.

His benching lasted only a week, as head coach Robert Saleh said he will be active Sunday.

But in a season with just 20 catches for 290 yards, one touchdown with five drops scattered throughout the targets, Lazard’s removal from the lineup served as a low point to start his Jets tenure.

“After talking to [Saleh], I can see his reasoning for it and everything,” Lazard said. “It is what it is. Gotta continue just working to get better and keep improving.”

When the Jets signed the 27-year-old Lazard in March, he was supposed to emerge as their No. 2 option behind Garrett Wilson — not just for this season, but into the future, too.

Their Super Bowl window existed for as long as Aaron Rodgers remained on the roster, and Lazard’s contract, with $22 million in guaranteed money, aligned with that.

Lazard’s best game occurred against the Chiefs, when he snagged a game-tying touchdown in the third quarter.

He caught two other passes for 61 yards, too.

But his performance in Week 9 was particularly brutal, filled with three penalties and a drop.

That sparked comments — from Lazard, from Saleh — in the days and weeks that followed about how his performance was underwhelming.

About how it didn’t meet his standards.

“It’s not up to my decision,” Lazard said Wednesday when asked if his performance warranted being inactive.

His benching — and the increased snaps for undrafted rookie Jason Brownlee, among others — didn’t generate any production for the offense.

But Lazard was “hurt even more” by the lineup decision because of his history with new Jets starting quarterback Tim Boyle, which dates back to their time on the Packers’ practice squad in 2019.

Their preseason performances that year secured their spot on the practice squad.

Boyle threw Lazard his first NFL touchdown in the preseason finale, too.

They spent time working on the scout team, and Lazard, who eventually became one of Rodgers’ trusted targets, knew that Boyle, 29, was “waiting for his opportunity to get presented to him.”

“Not being out there to help him succeed and stuff,” Lazard said, “that just kinda hurt me a little bit.”

Boyle will get another start Sunday.

The Jets haven’t pivoted again at quarterback since benching Zach Wilson.

And this time, Boyle will share some snaps with Lazard, too.

“He’s a safety blanket,” Boyle said. “He knows how to read coverage. He knows the offense. He knows the scheme. … He’s fun to throw to, and I’m excited to have him out there.”