Jets' Starting Cornerback Progressing in Concussion Protocol

Saleh says still another hurdle to clear before Reed can fully return

He's not there yet, but D.J. Reed appears to be trending in the right direction as he recovers from a concussion that kept him out of last week's game in Denver. 

The New York Jets' starting cornerback returned to practice on Wednesday but remains in the NFL-mandated concussion protocol. 

"DJ's progressing He'll be at practice today," said head coach Robert Saleh as the team prepares for its Week 6 home game against the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles. "He's cleared all his hurdles. He just has to clear the hurdles of practice now."

Reed wouldn't have gotten the full practice experience on Wednesday even if he had been completely healthy. The Jets will lighten the physical workload for the day as they recuperate from their Week 5 road trip.

"We'll have a full-speed individual followed by a walk-thru," said Saleh.

Reed did not practice at all last week after experiencing concussion symptoms. He wound up missing his first game since signing with the Jets as a free agent in 2022. Reed, who will turn 27 years old on November 11, had made 21 straight starts in Green & White. 

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

Fourth-year pro Bryce Hall, who started all 17 games for the 2021 Jets, filled in for Reed in the 31-21 win over the Broncos. Playing 62 of 63 defensive snaps, Hall wound up sealing the victory by returning a fumble 39 yards for a touchdown with 00:41 remaining.

Starting CB Will Miss First Game Since Signing with Jets

The Jets are also still without backup cornerback Brandin Echols, who injured his hamstring in Week 5 against Kansas City. 

The first Week 6 injury report must be filed with the league office by 4:00 pm ET today.

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