NY Jets activate Mann and McDermott, elevate 4 from practice squad

New York Jets activate two players, elevate four from practice squad

The New York Jets announced several roster moves on Saturday ahead of their matchup with the visiting Buffalo Bills.

We've activated P Braden Mann and OL Conor McDermott.

We've placed OL Chuma Edoga on IR.

We've elevated TE Kenny Yeboah, FB Nick Bawden, DE Hamilcar Rashed and DE Ronnie Blair.

📰 https://t.co/Vy7TvZWFlB

— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 13, 2021

Punter Braden Mann and offensive tackle Conor McDermott were activated to the 53-man roster off of injured reserve.

Mann is returning from a knee injury he suffered in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers. The Jets recently released Mann’s short-term replacement, Thomas Morstead, confirming Mann’s return.

McDermott suffered a knee injury in the preseason and was placed on injured reserve prior to the start of the regular season.

Chuma Edoga has been placed on injured reserve with a knee injury suffered this week in practice. McDermott will likely fill in for Edoga as the primary backup tackle behind starters George Fant and Morgan Moses.

Though the tackle position is considerably beat-up, relief may be on the way.

Starting left tackle Mekhi Becton was spotted this week working with trainers for the first time since his knee injury in Week 1. While nothing is certain, he appears to be making good progress in his recovery.

Tight end Kenny Yeboah, fullback Nick Bawden, defensive end Hamilcar Rashed Jr., and defensive end Ronnie Blair were all elevated from the practice squad. Aside from Yeboah, who played five special teams snaps against Atlanta in Week 5, the other three would be making their season debuts for the Jets if they appear this week.

Yeboah will be needed to fill in for a depleted tight end room. Tyler Kroft left the team’s Week 9 game against the Indianapolis Colts with a chest injury and was placed on injured reserve. The Jets will have to salvage some production between Yeboah and Ryan Griffin against a dominant Bills defense.

Rashed Jr. will look to make the most of his opportunity Sunday while the Jets’ EDGE depth remains thin. The undrafted free agent out of Oregon State recorded a sack in the preseason. He will hope to make an impact at a position where the Jets have lost Carl Lawson, Vinny Curry, and most recently Bryce Huff, who remains on injured reserve with a back injury.

Blair joins Rashed Jr. in aiding a depleted EDGE unit. A former 49er who played under Robert Saleh, Blair’s effectiveness as a run defender could be useful for a Jets defense that has had major issues against the run this season.

Bawden signed with the Jets’ practice squad on Sept. 23. He was a seventh-round pick out of San Diego St. by the Lions in 2018 and remained in Detroit until June 2021, playing in 10 regular-season games and recording four receptions for 17 yards.