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New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions with a thumb injury.
Taylor suffered the injury during the Jets’ 20-17 overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers last Sunday. He did not practice throughout the week and is considered week-to-week, although head coach Aaron Glenn indicated that the injury should not keep him out for an extended period.
“[It] won’t be long.” Glenn said Friday of Taylor’s absence.
Kenyon Sadiq Could See Bigger Role
Taylor has recorded only two receptions for minus-2 yards through the first two games of the season, but he has played more snaps than any of the Jets’ other tight ends.
His absence could create a larger role for rookie Kenyon Sadiq, whom New York selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Sadiq has five catches for 38 yards and a rushing touchdown through two games.
Jeremy Ruckert could also see additional opportunities against Detroit.
Jets Dealing With More Injuries
Taylor is one of several Jets players dealing with injuries heading into Sunday’s matchup.
Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will miss his second straight game with a groin injury, while linebacker Kiko Mauigoa is also out with a quad injury. Running back Kene Nwangwu is doubtful.
New York also has concerns at wide receiver. Adonai Mitchell had a limited practice Friday after injuring his finger during Thursday’s session. Glenn said Mitchell caught his finger in a jersey but did not believe he had broken it. The coach did not provide a definitive update on Mitchell’s availability.
If Mitchell cannot play or has limited availability, Garrett Wilson and Isaiah Williams would be the only healthy receivers on the roster with NFL experience. The Jets could also elevate a veteran receiver from the practice squad.
Jets Face High-Powered Lions Offense
The injuries come as the Jets prepare for one of their toughest defensive challenges of the season. Detroit is averaging 362 yards per game, while quarterback Jared Goff leads the NFL with six touchdown passes through two weeks.
Glenn knows the Lions well after serving as their defensive coordinator from 2021 through 2024. He praised Goff’s accuracy and highlighted the challenge posed by Detroit’s collection of playmakers, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta.
“This will be one of the most explosive groups that we’ll go against, to me, probably all year,” Glenn said.
New York enters the matchup with the NFL’s top-ranked defense and has allowed fewer than 200 yards per game through two weeks. The Jets have also gone 19 consecutive games without recording an interception.
Edge rusher Joseph Ossai and rookie cornerback D’Angelo Ponds both practiced fully Friday and could make their Jets debuts Sunday.
