Jarrad Davis is one of four New York Jets promoted to the active roster
The New York Jets announced a series of roster moves heading into Sunday’s Week 8 tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium (1 p.m. ET, CBS), headlined by the activation of linebacker Jarrad Davis from injured reserve.
Davis, who will turn 27 in November, signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Jets in March after four years with the Detroit Lions. The linebacker entered the league as a first-round pick out of Florida in 2017 and earned 305 tackles (19 for a loss) in the Motor City.
Joe Douglas‘ free-agent pickup is an intriguing fit for the Jets’ defense. Davis’ finest football hours have come in the 4-3 scheme utilized by Jets head coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, earning All-Rookie Team honors through such a set under Teryl Austin’s watch in Detroit.
Davis spent the first seven weeks of the regular season on injured reserve after sustaining an ankle injury during an August preseason game in Green Bay.
Saleh confirmed that Davis would partake in Sunday’s return to East Rutherford, but hinted that he could be on a limited snap count so as not to overwork him as he makes a return from injury.
“He has not played in a while, so we got to be able to spell him,” Saleh said on Friday, per notes from the Jets. “Quincy (Williams) is going to return from concussion protocol, so we feel good about that. So, we’ll be able to get him at least some reps in there to give JD a break.”
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Alongside Davis, the Jets also promoted fellow defenders Noah Dawkins and Jabari Zuniga to the active roster along with quarterback Josh Johnson. Zuniga and Johnson are one-week elevations from the practice squad while Dawkins has been signed to the active roster off the practice squad.
Dawkins previously made his season debut in Week 7’s losing effort in New England, earning two tackles. The Citadel alum appeared in five games with the Jets last season.
In a corresponding move for the signing of Dawkins, the Jets announced the release of safety Jarrod Wilson. A sixth-year man out of Michigan, Wilson tallied nine tackles (one for a loss) over four games (two starts) in New York.
Zuniga, a third-round pick from 2020’s virtual draft, could make his season debut after partaking in eight games in his rookie year. The Florida alum was part of the Jets’ final training camp cuts after a knee injury ate up most of his summer but has lingered on the practice squad ever since.
Johnson, in the midst of his 14th professional season, will be backing up starting quarterback Mike White while the Jets wait on the recovery of Zach Wilson (who could return sooner rather than later). The University of San Diego alum has not appeared in a regular-season game since 2018.
Joe Flacco was acquired by the Jets on Monday but will be inactive this week, leaving Johnson to back up White. Flacco is expected to suit up for the Jets’ Thursday night tilt with the Colts in Week 9, although it is up in the air whether he or White will start.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
