Jets add safety Rontez Miles, waive Jarvis Harrison

To shore up their safety position, the Jets signed practice-squad player Rontez Miles to the active roster and waived fifth-round pick Jarvis Harrison yesterday.

Harrison, an offensive lineman, likely will end up on the Jets' practice squad if he clears waivers.

With second-year safety Calvin Pryor (high ankle sprain) ruled out for the second straight week, a roster move was expected. Coach Todd Bowles said Friday that he staged a "cattle call" audition for candidates this week, with Miles, cornerback Marcus Williams (who missed as many as six tackles playing safety last week in a 34-20 loss to the Raiders), free-agent pickup Dion Bailey and cornerback Dee Milliner, who is eligible to play after starting the season on short-term injured reserve.

Bowles declined to say who will start at safety after Friday's practice, but he expressed confidence in Miles. "I like Rontez," he said of the 26-year-old, who has spent much of the past three seasons on the Jets' practice squad.

Miles had an impressive camp after suffering a serious leg injury in December that required surgery. "If he comes up, I'm pretty sure he'll do a good job," Bowles said.

Miles, who had 23 tackles and also scored on a fumble return in the preseason, made the initial 53-man roster in September. He was cut the following day to make room for former Seahawks strong safety Ronald Martin, whom the Jets claimed off waivers. (Martin currently is on the practice squad.)

Miles, who was re-signed to the practice squad on Sept. 7, has played in one NFL game -- the Jets' 26-20 win over the Saints in November 2013.

But whether he's used in a backup role or plays significant minutes Sunday against the Jaguars, the always-energetic Miles is grateful for the opportunity.

"Happy and blessed to be back," he tweeted Saturday. "I will give my all tomorrow #freedom."