After a costly fumble on a kickoff in Sunday’s season opener, the New York Jets have released wide receiver and special teamer Xavier Gipson.

Gipson’s departure leaves the Jets without a primary punt returner and at least one of their kickoff return roles. The situation at kick returner could be further complicated if Kene Nwangwu, recovering from a hamstring injury, is not ready to return for the team’s Week 2 matchup on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

Two players seem to be in line to take over Gipson’s workload on special teams, both of whom we analyze below.

WR Jamaal Pritchett

Most people were surprised to see Gipson earn a spot on the team’s 53-man roster over Jamaal Pritchett, following his outstanding performance in the preseason.

On punt returns, Pritchett flashed his explosiveness at 5-foot-8 and 175 pounds. Despite muffing a punt, Pritchett returned nine punts for 103 yards, including a long of 41 yards with an average of 11.4 yards per return.

That same juice carried over to the offensive side of the ball. Per Pro Football Focus, Pritchett led all wideouts in forcing missed tackles with six, a total matched only by New England rookie Efton Chism III. That figure was at least double what nearly every other receiver managed, with Cleveland’s Gage Larvadain (four) the lone exception.

Pritchett has limited experience as a kick returner. He fielded just one kick during his college career at South Alabama and lined up at the position only once this preseason.

Even so, there is clear value in elevating Pritchett to the active roster.

He represents a clear upgrade over Xavier Gipson, who has committed 10 fumbles in 35 career games as a punt returner. Beyond special teams, Pritchett also offers more upside and explosiveness as a receiver and could carve out a role on offense.

WR Isaiah Williams

The Jets signed Isaiah Williams to their practice squad on Wednesday after the release of Gipson.

The 24-year-old spent the preseason with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he returned both punts and kicks at a high level.

The Illinois product returned three punts for an average of 14.7 yards per return while securing a long of 28.

On kick returns, Williams returned six kicks for 149 yards (24.8 yards per return) and a long of 30.

With a strong week of practice, Williams could emerge as the frontrunner to replace Gipson, as he returned both punts and kicks this preseason, while doing so at a high caliber.