Jets ready to give more opportunities to Arian Smith

After getting the news that Garrett Wilson may miss up to two weeks, the New York Jets also learned that Josh Reynolds is dealing with an injury. Neither receiver practiced on Wednesday for the New York Jets.

That leaves a combination of Tyler Johnson, Allen Lazard, and fourth-round rookie Arian Smith as the potential starters going into Sunday’s contest against the Carolina Panthers.

It’s not a group brimming with confidence.

While Johnson and Lazard are NFL veterans, Smith’s rise from flawed fourth-round prospect to surprise camp winner to offensive weapon has been compelling to watch.

Despite emerging as the leading receiver for the Georgia Bulldogs, Smith suffered from drops and injuries during his college career. The 24-year-old hasn’t set the world on fire through his first six games in the NFL, totaling just four receptions for 24 yards.

But that could change this week. At the very least, the Jets seem content to give him more opportunities moving forward.

Jets ready for more Arian Smith

Smith’s calling card out of college was his blazing speed, which was evident during training camp and New York’s preseason slate. During the regular season, though, it’s been difficult to get him the ball.

New York is one of the league’s worst teams when it comes to big plays in the passing game. Smith’s speed hasn’t been given a true opportunity to show out at the NFL level through six games, but the opportunities are there.

With Wilson and Reynolds both potentially down for Sunday, Smith’s chance to shine could be coming up.

Head coach Aaron Glenn believes Smith is ready for it.

“As a receiver, he’s done a really good job,” Glenn said. “He can take the top off. There are times when we have to give him a chance on some of the deep balls one-on-ones.”

It seemed like the Jets were close to hitting Smith on a deep shot in last week’s 13-11 loss to the Denver Broncos in London. The young receiver had a step on the corner guarding him, but Fields’ throw was so off-target that Smith had no chance of coming away with the catch.

That was a theme in the team’s loss overseas.

This week, Smith will be asked to do more than he has done so far in the NFL. There’s a chance he may even need to be the team’s top receiving option out wide.

It’s not just at receiver where Smith can make an impact. Through the first six weeks, the receiver has impressed on special teams. In Sunday’s loss to the Broncos, his ability to down an Austin McNamara inside the five-yard line helped the Jets’ defense record a safety.

Making plays like that on special teams is always important for a late-round pick. It’s another reason why Glenn is pleased with New York’s fourth-round pick.

“What’s been more impressive with him is how he’s done on special teams also, so he’s been a big part of what we’re doing when it comes to our punt team,” Glenn explained.

New York will need Smith to produce as more than just a gunner on Sunday. Even if Wilson or Reynolds are inactive, the Jets will need him to help them unlock their downfield passing game.

He seems ready for the task.