It appears that New York Jets’ second-round rookie, D’Angelo Ponds, will be ready to go for the team’s Week 1 matchup against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
According to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, who was on the scene in Florham Park, Ponds is back in drills, indicating that he is getting back to full speed.
Although Ponds has been limited in the first two practices ahead of Week 1, his participation is an encouraging sign, and it looks like he is trending towards being ready for the start of the season.
The cornerback sustained a calf strain during the Jets’ first training camp practice of the year and ended up missing the remainder of the summer, including the entirety of the preseason.
Even if he is active, it is likely that he will be held to a limited snap count. Throwing him into the fire at full speed after missing that much time wouldn’t be a wise move by the Jets.
The Jets will be tested at slot cornerback in Week 1, regardless, where Ponds is the Jets’ expected starter this season. Wan’Dale Robinson, whom the Tennessee Titans picked up in free agency, led the NFL in slot receiving yards last season with 675.
So even if he isn’t playing every down, having Ponds out there alongside Jarvis Brownlee Jr. would be an upgrade over relying on Brownlee Jr. and a practice-squad player, or moving Minkah Fitzpatrick to that spot.
At the very least, seeing the rookie cornerback on the practice field and in drills is a step in the right direction.
