The New York Jets are 2-3 for the season heading into their Sunday game against the New England Patriots, and they're about to get a much-needed boost. It's perhaps just what this team needs as it tries to get in the W column again against a Patriots team that's good but not great.
On Wednesday, head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed that rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is set to return to practice after spending weeks on injured reserve. The timing couldn't be better for a team still waiting to get several key pieces of its offense back on the field.
Glenn said that Cooper has been designated to return from injured reserve, opening the door for the first-round pick to work his way back into the lineup. Cooper has been off the field since suffering an ankle injury in the season opener against the Tennessee Titans.
Omar Cooper Jr. made his time on the field count
His debut was brief, but it showed that he could bring some life to the Jets' offense. Cooper had just one pass before going down, but he turned the reception into a 30-yard gain that helped set up a touchdown for another rookie first-rounder, Kenyon Sadiq.
Now, Cooper has a chance to get back into the mix as New York prepares for the Patriots. His return to practice is a significant step, although the Jets will need to see how he progresses before determining whether he's ready to play this weekend.
Unfortunately for New York, it's not all good news. Running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell remain sidelined, with Glenn describing both players as week-to-week.
Hall has already missed the past two games while dealing with a quad injury. Mitchell has been unavailable for three games after sustaining a finger injury that required surgery.
