Jets looking to get Jeremy Ruckert on the field more
Jeremy Ruckert at Jets training camp this past August. Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Jeremy Ruckert only played five snaps in last Sunday’s game. Robert Saleh said that isn’t enough.
“We acknowledge Ruckert needs to get on the field a little bit more,” Saleh said Wednesday afternoon. “He stands for all the right stuff.”
Ruckert, a Lindenhurst native, is one of the Jets’ best run blockers. He had a key block in Week 1, helping spring Breece Hall for an 83-yard run against Buffalo.
Yet after playing 18 snaps against the Bills, Ruckert wasn’t used much, which was surprising since they struggled to run the football against the Cowboys.
Ruckert played four snaps in the first half and one in the second. The Jets threw the ball much more after halftime .
Saleh said “the intent” is to give Ruckert more opportunities going forward.
“We’ll see how it works out,” Saleh said. “He’s going to continue to get better. He’ll find his way into the offense.”
Ruckert said he’s always ready to contribute.
“No one’s really said anything specific, just keep building, keep getting better every day,” Ruckert told Newsday. “Obviously, Year 2 you want to make a jump in every aspect of your game. Just continuing to get better every day and be ready whenever they need me to do anything.”
Same old line
Saleh said he’s not considering any changes on the offensive line “right now.” The Jets ran for 172 yards against Buffalo, but they were dominated by Dallas’ front. Saleh said the focus is on “turning the page over and trying to figure out how we can get back on track.”
Injury updates
John Franklin-Myers (hip) did not practice, but Saleh said he “should be good to go” on Sunday. Duane Brown (shoulder), Tony Adams (hamstring) and Greg Zuerlein (groin) also did not practice.
Quincy Williams, who hurt his knee against Dallas, was limited. Saleh expects Williams to play. Hall (knee), Mekhi Becton (knee) and Michael Carter II (elbow) also were limited.
Roughing call
The roughing the passer penalty on Franklin-Myers was “legal,” according to Saleh. Franklin-Myers was pushed down by Cowboys tackle Terence Steele and hit Dak Prescott low. Saleh was scheduled to speak to the NFL Wednesday to get clarification on it.
“I don’t know how to coach that, there’s nothing I can coach to make that different,” Saleh said. “He got pulled down, his face still hit the hip, above the knee which is still legal. So everything about it was legal.”
Roster move
The Jets signed receiver Irv Charles to the practice squad and released defensive lineman Tanzel Smart from the practice squad.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
