Robert Saleh discusses Denzel Mims’ status for Jets-Titans
Second-year wide receiver Denzel Mims has been the talk of the town throughout the New York Jets’ 2021 season. After catching a 40-yard pass on one of his measly three snaps in the season opener, he was a healthy inactive in each of the next two games.
It looks like Mims’ stretch in the doghouse is coming to an end.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Jets head coach Robert Saleh revealed that Mims will be active for the team’s Week 4 clash with the Tennessee Titans at MetLife Stadium (1 p.m. ET, CBS).
#Jets WR Denzel Mims will be active this Sunday.
— Ethan Greenberg (@EGreenbergJets) October 1, 2021
“He’s stacked up a third consecutive week of great, deliberate practice,” Saleh said of Mims. “He’s really getting comfortable within the offense and we’re excited to see him get his (opportunity).”
Saleh said the Jets wanted Mims to learn the Z and X receiver positions, not all three positions (with the “F” – or slot – position being excluded).
“For him really, it was the Z and the X … he’s comfortable in those spots and we’re comfortable using him. It’s gotten to the point where he doesn’t even need to talk to the coach anymore, he’s just on the football field, he’s getting himself lined up, and you’re seeing the speed and athleticism that he has.”
Denzel Mims will be active for the Jets on Sunday:
"He's going to get some opportunity, hopefully he takes advantage of it" pic.twitter.com/kyiLq3BMij
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) October 1, 2021
Mims missed the first six games of his rookie season as he sat on injured reserve with a hamstring injury and wound up playing nine games. The Texas native caught 23 of 44 targets for 357 yards, zero touchdowns, and 15 first downs. He averaged an impressive 15.5 yards per reception and a solid 8.1 yards per target.
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Mims posted at least 40 receiving yards in each of his first six career games, becoming just the sixth receiver in NFL history to do so. The only others to accomplish the feat are Andre Johnson, Amari Cooper, Stefon Diggs, Michael Thomas, and CeeDee Lamb.
In Week 14, Mims missed the Jets’ trip to Seattle with a personal issue, and he finished the season cold. Over the last three games, Mims caught four of eight targets for 33 yards (11.0 per game).
Mims and the Jets will aim to break out of their respective funks against a Titans defense that has allowed the eighth-most yards per pass attempt this season (8.3).
