New York Jets fourth-round rookie Arian Smith has struggled to carve out consistent snaps or targets this season. However, it was still a surprise to see the Georgia wideout listed as a healthy scratch for Sunday’s Week 13 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, head coach Aaron Glenn refused to disclose the reasoning behind Smith being inactive for Sunday’s clash.
“That’s something that me and him will keep between us, just like I always do when things like that happen,” said Glenn.
Throughout 11 games this season, Smith has hauled in six of his 10 targets for 47 yards, while picking up 11 rushing yards throughout three attempts.
He’s also contributed on special teams, logging 34 total snaps, including 24 as a gunner, and adding two kick returns for 49 yards, averaging 24.5 yards per return.
These final weeks of the season for teams like the Jets, who are 3-9, are supposed to be about development, finding out what young players like Smith can be, and giving them prominent reps. That’s why his absence stands out even more. Smith is the exact type of player who should be on the field in December, learning and trying to establish an offensive role for his sophomore campaign.
It’s fair for fans to wonder if the pick was simply a miss by general manager Darren Mougey. It was viewed as a reach right out of the gate, and Smith’s early returns haven’t done much to change that perception.
