In the blink of an eye, the New York Jets are set to close out their 2025 preseason slate. Gang Green will take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
It’s a matchup that will mean more for reserves than starters. That’s always the case this late in the preseason. With that said, several NFL clubs will still field their first-string players at varying clips to get a brief feel for in-game situations before Week 1.
Is head coach Aaron Glenn bracing for that? Don’t hold your breath.
Aaron Glenn to Sit Multiple Jets Starters to End Preseason
Speaking to the media following Tuesday’s practice, Glenn revealed his plans for Friday night. He anticipates resting several high-profile starters.
“Some starters won’t play in this game,” Glenn said. “I won’t get into the who’s, or whatnot, but a good amount of starters won’t play. It gives us a good chance to look at some of the young guys and give them plenty of playing time so we can evaluate them. Obviously, it’s getting down to nut-cutting time as far as who’s going to make the 53, then who of the 69 guys we have in totality. It’s important to go out there and really watch these guys and see how they operate. We’ve got to give everybody a chance, and that’s what we’ve been doing for the most part.”
It’s only natural to assume that the group includes quarterback Justin Fields.
“Obviously, I won’t say who,” Glenn said when asked specifically about Fields. “But a good amount of starters won’t play.”
If this is indeed it for Fields, his preseason likely ends with an incomplete grade. The offseason signing threw the ball just nine times in two games, going 4-for-9 and amassing 46 yards through the air. He also ran the ball three times for 19 yards.
Elsewhere, the Jets figure to be without players like running back Breece Hall, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and cornerback Sauce Gardner. The former two simply don’t need to risk reps at the expense of potential injury, whereas the latter two are still working back from respective calf ailments of their own. Both Williams and Gardner returned to practice alongside pass rusher Jermaine Johnson on Tuesday.
Critical New York Position Battles Could Soon Be Sorted Out
Of course, several positions have yet to be totally decided on the depth chart. That’s what the preseason is for, after all. It’s no easy task trimming a roster of 90 players down to a 53-man group and a 16-man practice squad. The Jets have plenty of personnel decisions to make in the coming days, but one in-house question needs to be answered quickly.
Who will start at center for New York in 2025-26? The incumbent, Joe Tippmann, seems to have the upper hand on that role. With that said, the team went out and signed Josh Myers to a fully guaranteed contract in free agency. The move caught Tippmann a bit off guard at first, but he says he’s used some of Myers’ game to help his own. It’s a healthy competition, albeit one that might just result in the same player snapping the ball that has for the past two campaigns.
Elsewhere on offense, the wide receiver position remains intriguing. There’s no denying the trio of Wilson, Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard at the top. Rookie draft pick Arian Smith seems locked into a role on the team. Who else will step up? It’s a crowded picture that includes names like Tyler Johnson, Malachi Corley and others. Special teams could be the deciding factor for the final spot, regardless of how many receivers the Jets keep.
While Glenn has a lot sorted out, Friday’s finale will help provide some more clarity.
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