While the New York Jets will still be without several top offensive contributors for their Week 6 clash against the New England Patriots today, first-round rookie pass catcher Omar Cooper Jr. will return.

Getting Cooper back will be a big boost for the Jets’ passing attack. Beyond receptions and yards, though, he will also provide an immense schematic benefit.

How Cooper fits into the Jets’ scheme

One of the biggest issues with the Jets’ offense this season has been its struggle to produce consistently in its most-used personnel grouping: 11 personnel.

In five games this season, the Jets have utilized 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, and 3 WRs) on 58.4% of their offensive plays, per FTN Fantasy. It’s the team’s most used personnel package by a wide margin. Second is 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 TEs, 2 WRs) at just 26.4%.

There is no problem running 11 personnel on over half of offensive snaps. It’s actually commonplace in the NFL, despite the league’s recent surge in 12 personnel usage.

The issue, however, is that it hasn’t been very effective for the Jets. Gang Green ranks 23rd in passing DVOA when in 11 personnel (-21.5%) and 29th in rushing (-21.1%). Meanwhile, in 12 personnel, the Jets’ passing DVOA sits at +49.2%, the third-best mark in the league.

With Cooper now returning, the Jets have another legitimate receiving option to deploy next to Garrett Wilson. Because of Adonai Mitchell’s extended absence, the Jets haven’t had a respectable No. 2 to line up alongside Wilson. Cooper has yet to prove he can fill that role, but his presence is more encouraging than guys like Isaiah Williams and Tim Patrick, although the latter stepped up in a big way last week.

As Cooper re-enters the fold, offensive coordinator Frank Reich has more flexibility with his receiver options. It gives him another WR to mix into action, and one who offers serious upside right away. In Week 1, Cooper took his only target for a 30-yard catch-and-run. The elusiveness in the open field is one of Cooper’s top traits.

Getting an impactful WR back on the field is important for the Jets. Keep in mind that the Patriots have deployed man coverage at the fourth-highest rate in the league (28.3%). Given that, having another serviceable playmaker is even more valuable than just a normal week.

It may be just Cooper’s second game in the pros, but he should certainly be expected to have a role. As Mitchell continues to deal with a finger injury, the Jets need someone to pick up the slack. If Cooper does just that, it will also go a long way toward determining his workload once Mitchell actually re-enters the lineup.

At the end of the day, there couldn’t be a better time for the rookie to return from injured reserve.