The Jets could be shorthanded in the secondary on Sunday against Russell Wilson and the Broncos.
Starting cornerback D.J. Reed has been in concussion protocol this week and didn’t practice Wednesday, and backup Brandin Echols has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Head coach Robert Saleh said the Jets are “optimistic” that Reed “will get everything cleared by game day,” but no NFL players entered into concussion protocol this season have played the following game, according to ESPN.
“A couple of symptoms, but like I said, we are optimistic on [Reed], but Echols is going to be out,” Saleh said.
Fourth-year defensive back Bryce Hall, who started 24 games in 2020 and 2021, likely will see an expanded role if Reed is sidelined.
Asked again whether he received clarity about the costly holding penalty called on Sauce Gardner late in Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs, Saleh said, “The call doesn’t matter. You could look at that clip and say, ‘Well, he fouled’, ‘He didn’t foul’.
“The clarity is just the consistency at which we officiate, that’s all. … You could look at every play and I promise you someone’s cheating on every play. You can throw a flag on every play, but that’s not the point. It’s where is the consistency? What are we trying to accomplish? And the communication and all that stuff. So that was kind of what the frustration was.”
Even with the signing last week of veteran backup Trevor Siemian, Tim Boyle will remain the No. 2 quarterback this week, Saleh said.
“Trevor’s been awesome, we love having him here, and he’s acclimating well,” Saleh said. “The quarterback room status [will stay the same]. Tim Boyle has earned his status as the No. 2 quarterback and he’s done a great job of preparation all the way to earn his right as the No. 2 quarterback.”
OL Carter Warren (injured reserve) and DB Jarrick Bernard-Converse (PUP) returned to practice. The Jets have a 21-day window to add them to the active roster.
OL Mekhi Becton, S Tony Adams and OL Wes Schweitzer were limited participants in practice. LB Sam Eguavoen did not practice.