As the New York Jets enter their Week 4 matchup against the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football, the team’s linebacker corps is depleted.

Following New York’s Week 3 loss, starting linebacker Quincy Williams was placed on injured reserve along with special teamer and linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball, meaning they will each miss a minimum of four games.

Given that, Jets fifth-round rookie Kiko Mauigoa is expected to take on a starting role and play a significant amount of snaps in just his fourth career NFL game.

“There’s a standard that needs to be upheld, and I’m going to do my best to do my part,” Mauigoa told The New York Post in an exclusive interview. “I’m excited for the opportunity to go back to the Hard Rock. It’s an electrifying atmosphere. I had great memories there playing with teammates who are making it big or going to make it big.”

This season, the Miami product has logged most of his work on special teams but has held his own in limited defensive action. Through defensive 27 snaps this season, he has registered four tackles, three stops, contributing to a 70.0 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus.

Now set for his first start, he faces a difficult challenge. Despite their winless record, the Dolphins boast enough offensive firepower to make life difficult for any linebacker.

Miami head coach Mike McDaniel is expected to put linebacker Mauigoa under the spotlight.

With De’Von Achane’s elite speed and shiftiness out of the backfield, the Dolphins will likely scheme ways to isolate the rookie defender in coverage and test his ability to contain one of the league’s most explosive runners.

“I’ll be prepared when Monday night comes around,” Mauigoa told The Post. “Tua is an accurate quarterback, and he can make plays on the run.

The next four games are crucial for Mauigoa

Tonight’s matchup offers Mauigoa more than just a test of his NFL readiness. A strong performance could strengthen his case for a starting role in 2026.

With veteran linebacker Quincy Williams in the final year of his contract and slated to hit free agency this offseason, Mauigoa’s first start is also an audition to prove to the Jets’ coaching staff and front office that he can handle a larger role moving forward.

His performance in tonight’s matchup will help show if the rookie can turn an unexpected opportunity into the start of something bigger.