Israel Abanikanda
The Jets’ second-year running back was placed on bubble watch when the team selected two running backs in this year’s draft. After weeks of training camp and one preseason game, Israel Abanikanda‘s stock has not improved.
In the preseason opener, Abanikanda ran for only 17 yards on six carries (2.8 YPC). He had a 2-yard touchdown run on which he showed nice power, although it wasn’t anything abnormal; the blocking was good and most running backs probably would have scored on the play.
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Abanikanda finished the game with -4 RYOE (Rushing Yards Over Expected). The blocking was poor on a few of his runs, but he did not do anything to overcome the blocking and stand out as a difference-maker, which he must do to earn a roster spot.
With their faith in Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, and Isaiah Davis, the Jets do not have to keep four running backs on their initial 53-man roster if there isn’t a fourth running back they are enamored with. Right now, it’s hard to see the Jets keeping Abanikanda over a player at another position who has been more impressive.
Abanikanda needs a big game at Bank of America Stadium to give himself a chance at shining in 2-of-3 preseason games. If he has another quiet game, it might not matter if he impresses against the Giants, as it would be an outlier at that point.
Micheal Clemons
Ahead of the Jets’ first joint practice against the Commanders, Sauce Gardner revealed that Robert Saleh threatened to levy “a consequence that nobody wanted to receive” if players fought during practice. Gardner would not elaborate, making Saleh’s punishment even more ominous.
Nobody fought in that practice, but tempers flared in Charlotte on Thursday. The primary instigator was Micheal Clemons, who was seen throwing punches at Panthers players.
It is unknown what type of punishment Clemons will face from Saleh, and I am sure we will never find out, but it seems certain that the coaching staff is unhappy with Clemons’ actions. With Clemons being a player who barely produced in 2023 and had a couple of rough plays in the preseason opener, it is fair to wonder if Clemons’ punches will put him in the doghouse.
With Haason Reddick out and Will McDonald still a work-in-progress in the run game, Clemons has been taking first-team reps in base packages, as he is the Jets’ only capable edge-setter with NFL experience outside of Jermaine Johnson. So, it seems likely that Clemons will still make the team.
But if an overlooked defensive lineman can stand out enough to outshine Clemons – especially UDFA Eric Watts, who has a similar build and projects as a good fit for Clemons’ role – then it is fair to ask: has Clemons really done enough to avoid being cut?
Clemons is a zero as a pass rusher, and his run defense declined to average-ish in 2023 after a strong rookie year. Plus, he’s unusually old for a third-year player, as he will already be 27 this season. This means there is less hope for him to develop than most third-year players. If he is going to be a personal foul risk on top of all of that (which he has already proven himself to be, committing three personal fouls in his first two seasons)… is he someone you want on your 53-man roster?
The Jets cannot risk losing a playoff game because an edge rusher who had 0.5 sacks in 16 games last season tried to punch somebody. Clemons clearly has not learned his lesson over three years in the NFL, and he does not have the production to warrant putting up with it.
Again, based on what we’re seeing in camp, Clemons is probably going to make the team. But his act is growing tiresome. At this point, Clemons is all bark and little bite. He needs to start making headlines for what he does in the game, not how he walks up to the facility or his practice-field auditions for the WWE.
Xavier Gipson
Xavier Gipson was sidelined for a couple of weeks, missing some camp practices, the joint practice against Washington, and the first preseason game. In his absence, Malachi Corley and Isaiah Davis seized the opportunity to shine in the kickoff return game. Corley and Davis were the Jets’ starting kickoff returners against Washington, and each player surpassed the 30-yard line on their lone return of the game.
Gipson has some ground to make up in the return game as he makes his way back onto the field. He recently returned to practice and is already starting to reclaim his position in the battle. During the joint practice with Carolina on Thursday, Gipson had a long kickoff return that may have gone for a touchdown in a real game.
Two slick jukes from Gipson on a kick return, looks like it may have been good for a TD
— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) August 15, 2024
Now, Gipson needs to translate that to a real game. Gipson had issues with field vision as a kickoff returner in 2023. On this particular joint practice return, though, Gipson showed excellent vision, bending the return back from the right side all the way to the left sideline.
Gipson has also been taking first-team reps on offense as part of the Jets’ three-receiver sets. This may change when Mike Williams returns (either Gipson or Allen Lazard will see a sizable slice into their reps), but it’s a sign that his roster spot is probably safe. It also shows that Gipson is positioned to top both Lazard and Corley on the depth chart and make his way into the Jets’ primary wide receiver trio entering Week 1.
It seems likely Gipson will make the roster, but the talented second-year receiver has a path to important roles on both offense and special teams if he can stand out over the next two preseason games. While he has less time to prove himself due to his recent injury, two games are plenty for him to make a statement.
