Florham Park, New Jersey – The New York Jets finalized their initial 53-man roster after several moves made by General Manager Joe Douglas and his personnel team ahead of the 4 p.m. Eastern deadline on Tuesday. Among the notable additions to the roster were undrafted free agents Leonard Taylor III, Eric Watts, and Braiden McGregor, who impressed throughout the summer and showcased their skills in a preseason game against the Giants.
The Jets also retained veteran pass rusher Takk McKinley, who led the team in sacks during a recent game. McKinley expressed gratitude for the opportunity to prove himself to the Jets organization and emphasized his commitment to growth, both on and off the field. The team’s defensive line features a total of 10 linemen, with Jermaine Johnson listed as a linebacker.
In the running back department, Israel Abanikanda secured a spot on the roster after a standout performance against the Giants, highlighted by a 45-yard touchdown run. The Jets’ running back group also includes Breece Hall and rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis. The team’s offensive lineup consists of two quarterbacks, Aaron Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor, as well as 10 offensive linemen.
Unfortunately, the Jets had to place DT Leki Fotu and TE Kenny Yeboah on injured reserve, with both expected to miss a significant portion of the regular season. Rookie QB Jordan Travis has been placed on the reserve/non-football injury list, with hopes for a possible return later in the year despite an extended recovery period for a previous leg injury.
Looking ahead, Douglas and the Jets will have the opportunity to round out their practice squad on Wednesday once the waiver window closes. This move signals the completion of the initial roster adjustments, setting the stage for the team’s upcoming season as they aim for success in the competitive NFL landscape.