Some reinforcements have been brought in by the New York Jets. Marquise Blair, an experienced defensive back, has joined Gang Green’s practice squad, the team revealed on social media. The organization also declared that Alec Lindstrom, an offensive lineman, had been cut from the practice squad.
According to Jets writer Jack Bell, “a raft of injuries will challenge the Jets’ defense because they are expected to sideline 60 percent of the starting secondary” against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7.
In the second round of the 2019 NFL draft, Blair, then 27 years old, was selected with the 47th overall pick.
He has played for three clubs in the past six seasons, including the Seattle Seahawks twice. He has made three starts in his 26 appearances. Blair has recorded 52 tackles overall during that time, 36 of which were solo.
Although the former Utah product had some pedigree when he entered the NFL, he hasn’t fully utilized it.
The Jets are taking a low-risk, high-reward approach with this transaction. He will be given the opportunity to become acquainted with the defense and practice squad concepts. He could move up the ladder if he picks things up fast.
He won’t stay in New York for long, though, if he experiences the same kinds of difficulties that he has had throughout his career.
Michael Carter II, the starting slot cornerback, missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to a back injury. Throughout the year, he has also been battling a number of illnesses, most notably a hamstring and an ankle.
A groin injury forced D.J. Reed, who has been playing like one of the top corners in football, to leave the Week 6 game against the Buffalo Bills. Additionally, he didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday.
According to PFF’s defensive grade this season, Reed is rated third among corners (86.6). By coverage grade (87.4), he is also the league’s second-best cornerback.
The Jets are suffering at the safety position in addition to their cornerback problems.
Chuck Clark, the starting safety, will have to miss at least four games due to an ankle injury that put him on injured reserve this week.
On Sunday Night Football, this injured secondary will play against the Steelers.
But they have to be ready for two quarterbacks. For the first six games, Justin Fields started and made plays using both his arm and leg.
Fields is rushing for more than 231 yards, completing 66.3% of his passes, and having a 5 to 1 touchdown to interception ratio.
Following an offseason calf injury, Russell Wilson is now completely recovered. Based on his performance history, he is a significantly more skilled passer than Fields. Nevertheless, Pittsburgh would forfeit the mobility that Fields offers if they were to switch quarterbacks.
At the ripe age of 35, Wilson isn’t the same runner he was ten years ago, despite his relative agility.