Jets Sign Former Eagles Returner Ahead of Cowboys Matchup
The New York Jets continue to tweak their roster ahead of their Week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys. The team announced via social media that they have signed former Philadelphia Eagles running back Avery Williams to their practice squad. In a corresponding move, the Jets released Lawrance Toafili.
Avery Williams Brings Notable Experience
While the name Avery Williams might not be widely known, his background is impressive. A fifth-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021 NFL Draft, Williams (5-9, 195 pounds) was initially drafted as a cornerback before transitioning to running back in his second season. Throughout his career, Williams has appeared in 49 games, primarily serving as a return specialist. In 2022, he led the NFL in average yards per punt return with 16.2 yards. Over his career, he has returned 58 punts for 630 yards and 54 kickoffs for 1,211 yards, averaging 22.4 yards per return. Williams was briefly signed by the Eagles in March but was released in August.
Jets’ Special Teams Struggles Lead to Roster Changes
The Jets have faced significant issues on special teams this season, including costly fumbles on kickoffs. After Week 1, the team moved on from Xavier Gipson, and while Isaiah Williams is still on the roster, there’s a chance he could be a healthy scratch in Week 5 due to his mistakes in Week 4.
To help address these issues, the Jets have also added veteran Khalil Herbert to the 53-man roster. Herbert brings valuable experience both as a runner and kick returner, offering the team multiple options to temporarily replace Williams and stabilize special teams.
Running Back Moves Linked to Braelon Allen’s Injury
A major reason for the Jets’ running back roster moves is the injury to Braelon Allen. Head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed that Allen is dealing with a knee injury, and the team is weighing two potential recovery paths: surgery or non-surgical rehab. The recovery timeline is expected to be between 8 to 12 weeks, which means Allen could return around late November or early December. The decision on which route to take will ultimately be left to Allen and his agent.
Coach Glenn Comments on New Addition, Khalil Herbert
Coach Glenn praised the addition of Herbert, recalling his strong performances in college against top defenders like David Montgomery. He believes Herbert still has a lot of potential left and could make a significant impact on the team, especially with the current injuries. When asked about Herbert’s potential debut in Week 5, Glenn remained noncommittal, stating, “We’ll see. There’s a lot that goes into it, and we’ll see what happens.”
No Comment! Be the first one.