Jets signing OL Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, source says
New York Jets offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif speaks to reporters at the team's facility in Florham Park, N.J., on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021. Credit: AP/Dennis Waszak Jr.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – The doctor is back in.
The Jets are signing right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif to their practice squad, a league source said. Duvernay-Tardif, who started seven games for the Jets last season, worked out for them on Wednesday.
Duvernay-Tardif temporarily left the NFL to begin a medical residency program in his native Montreal. He has a medical doctorate and opted out of the 2020 season to work as an orderly at a long-term care facility in Montreal during the COVID-19 pandemic. He will continue his residency after the season.
Jets offensive line coach John Benton watched Duvernay-Tardif’s workout and was impressed with his physical condition and how he moved after being away from football for 10 months. Benton also called it “a little bit of a surprise that we might be able to get him back here.”
Duvernay-Tardif gives the Jets depth and another proven player who knows the system on an offensive line that has experienced a litany of injuries this season.
“There will be a process to see where he is,” Benton said. “He’s been out of ball for a while. Excited about the prospect to get him for sure. As this year has attested, you can’t have enough good football players.”
Davis’ status
Corey Davis did not practice again due to the knee injury that he suffered in Week 7. Robert Saleh said Wednesday that Davis “has a chance to play” Sunday, but that appears unlikely. Denzel Mims would be in line for a third straight start if Davis can’t go.
Mims has made big plays – as a blocker and receiver - the last three games after being inactive for the first six.
“Proud of Denzel,” receivers coach Miles Austin said. “Every time we kind of give him a little bit more to take on he’s doing a great job. Every single time he’s getting those tests, he’s really kind of bought in. Just fired up for him. He helps not only our position group but our entire team.”
D’Brickashaw shaken
Former Jets left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson, who played his college ball at the University of Virginia, released a statement after three Cavaliers players were shot and killed on Sunday.
Ferguson, a Freeport product, said he was “immediately shaken” when he learned that Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr. and D’Sean Perry’s lives were “taken away. My heart goes out to the families, friends and communities who have experienced sudden loss and whose lives have been forever changed by gun violence.”
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
