Camp Wraps with Mixed News
The New York Jets training camp has ended, and the roster is taking shape. Rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq faces a tough start to his season. He will not play at full speed right away. Offensive coordinator Frank Reich confirmed the team must limit his workload. “There’s no doubt we’ll have to scale back,” Reich said, according to ESPN NFL Dallas. Sadiq missed most of the camp due to a hernia. He only practiced for three days before getting hurt again. The team wants him ready for Week 1, but they will not rush him back.
Head coach Aaron Glenn knows the risks of injury. He wants his players smart and safe. “I’ve never been a coach that was afraid of injuries because it’s part of the game, but I also want to be a coach that’s smart and make sure I get our guys ready for Week 1,” Glenn stated. The Jets have about six practices left before they face the Tennessee Titans. Sadiq is a first-round pick from Oregon who was expected to bring big plays. Now, his role will be smaller at first. The team must find other ways to move the ball.
Kicking Battle Decided
The competition to be the starting kicker is over. Jason Sanders beat out Cade York in a tight race. Special teams coordinator Chris Banjo made the call clear. “[Sanders] has won the job. Yes, sir,” Banjo announced. York was waived after the decision. The two kickers had a rough final practice where they missed several shots. Sanders showed he was the better choice in preseason games. He made both of his field goal attempts. His longest kick was 47 yards. York only made two of three attempts and missed a long one from 59 yards.
From 2018 to 2024, Sanders served as a reliable kicker for the Miami Dolphins. He missed last season due to a hip injury. The New York Giants released him before their training camp started. Now he is back with the Jets. The team needed a reliable kicker after a shaky season. York had a chance to prove himself but fell short. The Jets will count on Sanders to handle the pressure when the regular season starts. A steady kicker makes a huge difference in close games.
Glenn’s Second Year Approach
Coach Aaron Glenn seems more relaxed than he did last year. He is back to calling the defense, which is his strong suit. The team is still improving, but it will take time. Glenn noted that “Big ships turn slow” last September. He knows the team cannot fix everything overnight. The Jets had a very bad record from 2016 to 2024. Glenn is trying to change that culture. He is using new methods like sports science to keep players fresh.
He even gave a rest day to a young linebacker named Kiko Mauigoa. This shows he values player health over hard practice. He also removed live tackling drills to teach better technique. The goal is to have the best tackling team in the NFL. According to reports, Glenn is embracing new ideas while keeping his old-school heart. The preseason ends with a game against the New York Giants.
