The New York Jets' struggling offense could get one or possibly two key players back Sunday against the Miami Dolphins (0-5). Wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, sidelined four games with a right-hand finger injury that required a surgical procedure, practiced all week and will play, coach Aaron Glenn said Friday. The Jets are hopeful running back Breece Hall will also return after missing three games with a quadriceps injury, but his status is less certain. Hall practiced the past two days on a limited basis and is listed as questionable, with Glenn saying the decision will be made Sunday.
The Jets (2-4) need a spark. They are averaging only 18.7 points per game, 27th in the NFL, and have scored just four touchdowns in the past three games. With Mitchell back, New York will have its top three receivers on the field together for the first time since Week 1, though Mitchell, Garrett Wilson and rookie Omar Cooper Jr. have shared the field for only four snaps. Cooper returned last week with a six-catch, 103-yard performance after missing four games with an ankle injury.
"Anytime we get the band back together, when they're all there and they get a chance to continue to build this relationship on the field, it's always critical," Glenn said. Quarterback Geno Smith added that the added playmakers present different challenges for defenses. Mitchell had nine receptions for 123 yards in the first two games before his finger injury.
Running back Braelon Allen has filled in well for Hall, rushing for 253 yards over the last three games, and Glenn said Allen will continue to get carries. Left guard Dylan Parham, out three games with a knee injury, is also listed as questionable and could return, which would give the Jets their entire starting lineup for the first time since Week 1. Glenn declined to comment on a report, confirmed by ESPN, that he was fined $250,000 by the league for his conduct toward game officials.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing