Jets' TE Makes Preseason Practice Debut Plus Other Status Updates

WRs Lazard and Davis out, but OT Becton returns

He kicked off New York Jets' Training Camp by landing on the physically unable to perform list, but C.J. Uzomah is back to business in Florham Park.

The veteran tight end, who appeared to develop a good rapport with quarterback Aaron Rodgers during springtime OTAs, was active during Thursday's open practice.

The Jets removed Uzomah's PUP designation on Wednesday (July 26) after he passed a physical.

Uzomah made his first catch of camp during an 11-on-11 team period. The 6-foot-6 target leaked out to the right side and provided quarterback Aaron Rodgers with a safety valve. He caught the pass five yards beyond the line of scrimmage and proceeded to rumble another 15 yards up the right sideline before the play ended.

It was Uzomah's first practice since he sustained an apparent quad injury on June 9 — the final day of OTAs. Dr. David Chao, who founded the Sports Injury Central website, hypothesized that Uzomah had avoided serious injury at the time.

Uzomah, who is in the second season of a three-year deal he signed with the Jets, could prove to be a valuable weapon for Rodgers in 2023. 

Coming off a career year, he was targeted only 27 times in 2022. In 2021, with the Cincinnati Bengals, Uzomah caught 49 of 63 targets for a career-best 493 yards and five scores. Nearly half of his receptions resulted in first downs (24).

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Corey Davis Absent

With Allen Lazard sidelined while nursing "muscle tightness," veteran receiver Corey Davis was also unavailable during Practice No. 7. 

"Corey woke up this morning not feeling well, he’s got a viral illness that he is dealing with, so he’ll be back, hopefully soon," said head coach Robert Saleh during his post-practice presser.

Davis, a former Top 5 overall draft pick, has made 66 catches for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns over 22 appearances for the Jets.

Becton Back in Uniform

After missing Wednesday's practice due to right knee soreness, offensive tackle Mekhi Becton returned to the field on Thursday. 

The fourth-year pro was active during position drills, but wasn't spotted during team reps.

Tackles Mekhi Becton (77) and Billy Turner (54) at Training Camp / © Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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