The Eagles' Noah Togiai runs with the ball between the Jets'...

The Eagles' Noah Togiai runs with the ball between the Jets' Justin Hardee, right, and the Jets' Elijah Riley during the second half of a preseason NFL game on Aug. 12 in Philadelphia. Credit: AP/Matt Rourke

The Jets released former Newfield High School star Elijah Riley on Tuesday.

Riley started at safety for the Jets in seven of their final eight games last season. But the Port Jefferson product had fallen on the depth chart after the team signed Jordan Whitehead and re-signed LaMarcus Joyner. They’re also high on second-year player Jason Pinnock, who they converted from cornerback to safety late last season.

The Jets signed Riley off the Eagles’ practice squad last year. They were decimated by injury and Riley stepped in and quickly became a starter.

Riley had 45 tackles and a sack in his seven starts with the Jets. The one game he missed was due to a concussion. Riley suffered a scary injury against the Dolphins on Dec. 19. He left Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on a stretcher with his neck immobilized.

Riley told Newsday last week it was important to return last season because he “wanted to be here for the team and continue living out my dream.”

Riley went undrafted out of Army and signed with the Eagles in 2020. He appeared in seven games with Philadelphia but mostly on special teams.

Greg’s the leg

Greg Zuerlein, whose nickname is “Greg The Leg,” will be the Jets’ kicker this season. Eddy Pineiro was released Tuesday, ending that kicking competition.

The 34-year-old Zuerlein, a former Pro Bowler, is the more proven kicker and has a stronger leg. He also has been healthier throughout camp. Pineiro missed time with back tightness.

Pineiro calmed the kicking waters for the Jets last season and provided stability after he was signed last Dec. 6. He made 8-of-8 field goals and 9-of-10 extra points.

Corner job

Robert Saleh hasn’t officially named Sauce Gardner the starting cornerback opposite D.J. Reed, but it’s been expected the rookie would get the nod over Bryce Hall, who didn’t help his case in Monday’s preseason win over the Falcons.

Hall was beaten by Kyle Pitts for a 52-yard pass on Atlanta’s second play from scrimmage. On the next drive, Hall gave up a 13-yard touchdown to Olamide Zaccheus. Gardner, meanwhile, wasn’t targeted at all during his two drives on the field.

The fact that Hall, who started 17 games last season, stayed in for a few more series after Gardner sat was an indication that Hall is competing with Brandin Echols for the No. 3 corner.

Saleh said the Jets were having a personnel evaluation meeting Tuesday and would discuss positions and how they want to handle this week. Saleh said his plan is to treat Sunday’s final preseason game against the Giants as a dress rehearsal for Week 1. 

Two-minute drill

The Jets also cut offensive linemen Isaiah Williams and Caleb Benenoch and linebacker Kai Nacua to trim their roster from 85 to 80. … Lindenhurst’s Jeremy Ruckert had one catch for 4 yards Monday night. … Denzel Mims was the fourth receiver to play on a night when the Jets sat three receivers. Mims had three catches for 43 yards and played on kickoff return and punt coverage. The Jets are trying to find a role for Mims or perhaps showcasing him for a trade.

SUBSCRIBE

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

ACT NOWSALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME