Ahead of their Week 4 matchup against the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football, the New York Jets announced that they have elevated safety Dean Clark and linebacker Mykal Walker from their practice squad.
Clark, 24, arrived in New York as an undrafted rookie from Fresno State and quickly drew attention throughout the summer for his physical presence near the line of scrimmage.
Over three preseason outings this summer, the safety registered six tackles, an interception, and a pass breakup, earning a 67.3 grade from Pro Football Focus. His aggression came with mixed results, however. Clark missed three tackles (25% missed tackle rate) and was beaten on three of four throws in his direction for 27 yards, including a 21-yard gain.
Elevated for last week’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Clark played 17 special teams snaps, while earning a solid 71.1 special teams grade from PFF.
Walker, 28, entered the league as a fourth-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2020 and spent three years there before moving on to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023.
The Washington Commanders signed him for the 2024 season, where he carved out a niche on special teams. He logged over 400 special teams snaps, contributing to a 73.9 special teams grade from PFF that ranked sixth among Commanders special teamers.
Throughout his NFL career, Walker has appeared in 74 games (25 starts), posting 241 total tackles (133 solo), along with four interceptions, 13 pass deflections, and a sack, while forcing a fumble.
Walker’s elevation comes after the Jets placed linebackers Quincy Williams and Marcelino McCrary-Ball on the injured reserve list, forcing both players to be sidelined for a minimum of four games due to injuries sustained in Week 3.
As the Jets look for their first win of the year under the primetime lights in Miami Gardens, Clark and Walker are expected to see the field.