The New York Jets made an addition ahead of the Week 13 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Gang Green announced on social media that they have signed defensive end Paschal Ekeji to the practice squad. In a corresponding roster move, the team placed offensive lineman Leander Wiegand on practice squad injured reserve.
Jets Lose Their Developmental Hog Molly Likely for the Season
Wiegand is set to miss at least the next four games for the Jets. However, he is likely out for the rest of the season. If the Jets wanted to bring him back, they’d have to designate him to return from IR.
The green and white only have six games remaining in their 2025 regular season. The earliest that Wiegand could return is the Week 17 rematch against the New England Patriots on Sunday, December 28.
“After initially signing with the Jets in May, Wiegand (6-5, 291) was added to the practice squad in August. He played one season at Central Florida before returning to Germany in 2022, where he lined up for the Cologne Centurions. Wiegand then played offensive line for the Rhein Fire, earning first-team All-European League Football (ELF) honors on a championship team. At his pro day, Wiegand, who owns a wingspan of 80 inches, showcased his strength with 38 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press,” Jets senior reporter Eric Allen wrote in a press release.
An Interesting Dart Throw for the Jets the Rest of the Way
Wiegand and Ekeji are both a part of the NFL’s international pathway program. Any NFL team that has one of those players on their practice squad receives a special roster exemption.
Most teams have 16 players on their practice squad. Any team that has a participant from the international pathway program is allowed to have 17 players.
So the Jets are switching one out for the other.
Dennis Waszak Jr of the Associated Press revealed that the Jets worked out Ekeji for a tryout this week. They liked what they saw and officially added him to the roster on Thursday, November 27.
Some More Info on the Jets’ Newest Addition
“Ekeji (6-4, 230), who holds citizenship in three nations, is a former rugby star who was one of 13 players from 12 countries selected as part [of] the NFL IPP Program class. In the summer of 2022, he was one of 49 participants hailing from five countries – Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo – in the first NFL Africa Camp. Born in the Southern African country of Lesotho, Ekeji played rugby for Grey College in Bloemfontein and later attended Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape province of South Africa. He most recently played with the Sharks, a South African professional rugby team,” Allen explained in a press release.
Will Be Interesting to See How Jets Deploy Him Moving Forward
Beat reporter Brandyn Pokrass revealed that Ekeji ran through both defensive end and linebacker drills during the pre-draft process.
Back in 2022, Ekeji participated in the inaugural NFL Africa Camp, which provided an opportunity for young athletes to show what they’re made of.
Longtime former NFL veteran Maurice Jones-Drew attended that camp and did a write-up for the NFL Media Group.
One of the players who caught his eye with their abilities was wide receiver Paschal Hans Uzoma Ekeji. Yes, you read that right, wide receiver. Ekeji is now listed as a defensive lineman.
“Paschal looked the part in every way. He has the size, was smooth in and out of his breaks, and is very coachable,” MJD wrote for the NFL Media Group.
This kid clearly has talent, and now the Jets will give him an opportunity to make something out of it at the NFL level.
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