Undrafted Rookie Keeping Mecole Hardman on Bench

Small-school surprise earns playing time over two-time Super Bowl champion

When the New York Jets attempted their first wide receiver reverse of the season, Mecole Hardman was not the player carrying the football. 

Instead, it was Xavier Gipson, the undrafted rookie who initially introduced himself to NFL fans with a walk-off punt return touchdown on Monday Night Football in Week 1.

"Xavier Gipson, since he’s got here has done a phenomenal job in regards to his kick return ability and proving that he can do that," said head coach Robert Saleh on Wednesday. "Just his attention to detail and the way he’s been attacking every day and evolving."

Defying the odds by simply making the Jets' 53-man roster coming out of training camp, Gipson has continued to accomplish the unlikely. The small-school product, who gained more than 4,000 yards receiving for Stephen F. Austin, has essentially displaced a two-time Super Bowl champion.

"I think what we’re missing out on here is an opportunity to really champion Xavier Gipson in this moment. The fact that a young guy came in undrafted and he’s done nothing but attack his moments," said Saleh.

The aforementioned Hardman, who signed a one-year deal with the Green & White in March after four seasons competing for the Kansas City Chiefs, has not been used in the return game and has been targeted only once in the passing game. The 2019 second-round draft pick was inactive for the Week 5 game in Denver after totaling only 22 offensive snaps over the prior four outings.

Meanwhile, Gipson has been responsible for all six returned kicks and all 10 punt returns thus far. He saw a season-high 20 offensive snaps in the 31-21 road win over Denver.

"He’s a young guy, he’s hungry, he’s playing fast," said Saleh. "If you guys have noticed, he’s getting a lot more opportunity on the football field and he’s going to continue to get a lot of opportunity because when the ball’s in his hands, he’s pretty darn special, too."

Prior to praising Gipson, Saleh addressed rumors that the Jets are shopping Hardman on the trade market.

"He’s here, working, competing, until someone upstairs says otherwise. We’re going to do our best to try to find ways to get him involved," said Saleh.

Hardman, who logged three consecutive 500+ yard receiving seasons with the Chiefs, spoke to reporters after Wednesday's practice.

Jets' Tenure Could End Early for Hardly-Used Hardman

"I want to go out and contribute and help my team win. But as of now, I guess there's just more better options," said Hardman. "They just haven't called my number yet, but all I can do is just work."

Hardman subsequently posted a somewhat ambiguous message on the social media site formerly known as Twitter.

"I can’t wait til i get a chance to really tell y’all what I really want to tell y’all and this don’t got nothing to do with my current situation either," said Hardman in a post that was timestamped at 5:28 pm ET.

It's certainly worth tracking whether or not Hardman is down for the second straight game when the Jets host the Philadelphia Eagles on October 15 at 4:25 pm ET. Gameday inactives are due out 90 minutes prior to kickoff. 

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