Starting Cornerback Will Miss First Game Since Signing with Jets

Robert Saleh rules out starter and backup for battle vs. Broncos

D.J. Reed had been a perfect 21-for-21 since signing a free agent contract with the New York Jets in 2022. 

The veteran cornerback has not missed a start in Green & White, but that streak will end in Week 5 against the Denver Broncos. Prior to Friday's practice in Florham Park, Jets' head coach Robert Saleh ruled Reed out for Sunday's road game. 

"DJ, he has not passed his protocol, so he will be out," said Saleh. 

Reed was placed into the NFL-mandated concussion protocol earlier this week after experiencing symptoms. He has not participated in practice since. No NFL player has returned from concussion symptoms in less than one week's time since Week 7 last season (Kenny Pickett).

In his second season with Gang Green, the soon-to-be 27-year-old Reed has played 98 percent of the defensive snaps while making 28 tackles. 

"DJ is a special football player," said Saleh. "He alleviates some of the pressure of trying to be perfect with regards to match-up."

Reed's absence is compounded by the fact that backup cornerback Brandin Echols is also unavailable for the Week 5 road affair. 

"Echols will be out," said Saleh again on Friday, confirming the decision that he announced on Wednesday. 

Echols suffered a hamstring injury during the Week 4 setback to Kansas City and has not practiced this week. After serving his Week 1 suspension, the second-string cornerback played more than half of special teams snaps during his three appearances.

"We'll see. We have a plan and we'll wait until Sunday," said Saleh. "We have confidence in all the DBs, whether it's moving people around or however we have to shuffle it. We've got a lot of guys who have played a lot of fooball in this league and have played at a very high level, so we'll be fine."

Third-year cornerback Bryce Hall will likely see a significant increase in workload for the time being. 

It a positive development for the Jets' secondary, starting safety Tony Adams is practicing in full and Saleh expects him back for the game. Adams has missed back-to-back games due to a hamstring injury sustained in Week 2 at Dallas.

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