Jets likely will be without two top receivers vs. Kansas City
Jets wide receiver Breshad Perriman prior to an NFL game against the 49ers on Sept. 20 in East Rutherford, N.J. Credit: AP/Adam Hunger
The Jets likely will be without two of their top weapons when they face the most loaded team in the league on Sunday.
Receiver Breshad Perriman won’t play against Kansas City due to a concussion, and leading receiver Jamison Crowder is doubtful with a groin injury that kept him out last week.
That leaves rookie Denzel Mims in his second NFL game, Braxton Berrios, Jeff Smith and Vyncint Smith as Sam Darnold’s receivers against a tough defense that has nine interceptions this season. The Jets might elevate a receiver from the practice team as well.
"It’s harder for Sam than anybody because it’s a different group out there," coach Adam Gase said. "I look at it like it’s a great opportunity for a lot of dudes."
The Jets offense has produced five touchdowns in the last six games. They’ll need to score points to have a chance of keeping it close against the Super Bowl champs. The winless Jets currently are 19.5-point underdogs.
This could be the game that tight ends Chris Herndon and Ryan Griffin are more involved. They’ve been targeted only 30 times and have 18 catches with no touchdowns. More was expected from that position, and particularly Herndon, who has just 13 receptions.
The Jets have yet to have their top three receivers for a game this season. It appeared it would happen last week after Mims was activated from IR. Then Crowder got hurt in practice.
Gase said he felt good about Crowder returning this week after he was a limited participant in practice Thursday. Crowder indicated to Gase that he felt he could play as well. But Crowder was sore Friday and couldn’t practice.
Injured reserve hasn’t been discussed for Crowder, Gase said.
Safety Bradley McDougald (shoulder) and linebacker Blake Cashman (hamstring) also have been ruled out. Kicker Sam Ficken, who missed last week's game due to a groin injury, is doubtful. If he can't play, Sergio Castillo again will kick for the Jets.
