For the better part of the last few weeks, fans and analysts wondered if New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard would ever suit up again for the organization.
The former Green Bay Packer suffered a shoulder injury during the Jets’ preseason opener and missed the remainder of training camp because of it. With many young receivers stepping up in his absence, some wondered whether Lazard would be released or placed on injured reserve to begin the 2025 regular season.
As it turns out, neither option looks likely to be the one New York chooses for the veteran.
Speaking before practice on Monday, head coach Aaron Glenn explained that Lazard is expected to be ready for the team’s season-opening contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Lazard’s return comes at a cost, though – one that will most assuredly upset some fans of the team.
Jets’ injury update
Whether it affects Quentin Skinner, Brandon Smith, Jamaal Pritchett, or all three, the outlook of New York’s receiver room has changed now that we know Lazard will not miss an extended period.
Initially, there was a clear path for one or even two undrafted free agent signings to find a way onto the 53-man roster. Now, the roster dynamics have become far more complex.
Lazard isn’t focused on what his emergence means for others.
“I’ve just been trying to stay focused in meetings and everything, stay in shape,” Lazard told the New York Post. “I’m excited to be back out there today and be with the guys.”
There is fair reason to assume Jets fans are less than thrilled with this news. Since signing a four-year, $44 million deal during the 2023 offseason, Lazard has led the team in drops by a wide margin, struggling mightily to live up to the near $11 million per-year average.
The veteran took a pay cut to stay on the roster this offseason, but taking a roster spot of a player who performed well during the preseason is something many Jets fans aren’t comfortable with.
Despite those issues, there’s a reason Lazard is still with the organization. His ability as a run blocker (often overlooked at receivers) is incredibly important for a Jets team that is expected to use the run more than any other team this season.
Because of that, Lazard pairs nicely with what the Jets want to do.
“There’s a number of different skill sets within that (receiver) room that we feel like we can take,” Glenn said.
Lazard’s return to the team complicates matters for other receivers on the roster. It could leave multiple preseason standouts on the outside looking in.
The Jets have 22 players to release in the next few hours. Making these decisions will be difficult for everyone.
Placing Lazard on IR was expected to make today’s moves easier. Now that he has secured an opening-week roster spot, one unlucky player will be left off the Jets’ 53-man roster.