Jets' Starting Cornerback Lands in Concussion Protocol, Backup Also Out on Wednesday

Robert Saleh delivers injury updates as team preps for battle vs. Broncos

The New York Jets were without two battle-tested cornerbacks at the start of Wednesday's practice in Fordham Park.

With a trip to Denver awaiting, starter DJ Reed and backup Brandin Echols were both labeled as non-participants by Jets' head coach Robert Saleh.

In a newly-revealed occurrence, Reed has encountered concussion symptoms and must pass through the league-mandated five-phase protocol in order to return to full participation.

"DJ Reed was entered into the concussion protocol. He won't practice today, but we are optimistic that he'll get everything cleared by gameday," said Saleh on Wednesday morning.

Reed has started all 21 games for Gang Green since signed as a free agent in 2022. He's made 28 tackles through the first four weeks of the 2023 campaign. 

"A couple of [concussion] symptoms, but we're optimistic," added Saleh.

Meanwhile, Saleh already ruled Echols out for the Week 5 road game against the Broncos. The second-string cornerback, who plays a regular role on special teams, injured his hamstring in last Sunday night's loss to Kansas City. He missed the season opener due to a suspension but has appeared in all three games since. 

"Echols, he's dealing with a hammy. He's gonna be out, for the game," said Saleh.

Jets Hit the Road as Slight Underdogs to Denver

The loss of Echols and Reed's possible unavailability explains why the Jets added three cornerbacks to their Practice Squad on Tuesday. The team announced the return of Craig James along with the addition of Tae Hayes and Kalon Barnes.

Starting free safety Tony Adams (hamstring) and backup offensive guard Wes Schweitzer (concussion), who have both missed the past two games due to injury, returned to practice in a limited capacity as the Green & White preps for a visit to Mile High Stadium on October 8 at 4:25 pm ET on CBS.

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