In an period when starters haven’t commonly performed in preseason video games, Jets coach Aaron Glenn is taking a special method.
The Jets will play their preseason opener towards the Packers on Saturday at Lambeau Subject, and Glenn mentioned the crew’s starters might be on the sphere.
“We’re playing, we’re playing, Glenn said. “I can’t tell you how much the guys are going to play. That’s affected by how the game goes, but we’re playing.”
Why did Glenn resolve to play the Jets’ starters?
“Because I want to play,” he mentioned. “That’s the reason. I want our guys to play. That’s the reason.”
When the NFL shifted from 4 preseason video games to a few in 2021, many coaches elected to relaxation their starters as a substitute of enjoying them through the exhibition season. One of many causes is that groups have primarily relied on joint practices to get gamers tuned up and prepared for the upcoming season.
Contemplating their offensive struggles in coaching camp and the truth that gamers are studying a brand new system, it is smart that Glenn needs to see his starters in motion, even whether it is only for a collection or two. The Jets even have two new playcallers in offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, and a brand new beginning quarterback in Justin Fields, who has had an uneven camp.
Fields completed Thursday’s apply finishing 8-of-15 passes, together with a landing move to Garrett Wilson. However that additionally included an interception that bounced off of tight finish Jeremy Ruckert‘s fingers.
“Every time we go on the grass, the first thing is I expect to win,” Glenn mentioned. “I do, however I anticipate to win in methods we actually discuss what we are attempting to create throughout camp.
“I don’t ever need to exit in a sport, and every thing we discuss making an attempt to construct when it comes to making an attempt to get this crew to function, I need to be sure that’s exhibiting up on the tape, if that is smart? And that’s essential to me.
“Look, I want the score to be in our favor. I do. But more or less anything, I want the things that we are trying to create to show up every play that we are out there, and that’s what I’m looking for.”
Taking part in starters in preseason video games is a brand new philosophy with the Jets. Final season, former coach Robert Saleh elected to not play most of the starters throughout any of the exhibition season.
Glenn is trying to vary the tradition of the Jets by having reside tackling throughout practices. However he isn’t afraid of his gamers presumably getting injured.
“It didn’t surprise me,” Sauce Gardner mentioned about Glenn’s determination to play the starters within the preseason. “I love football. I’m obsessed with football, so any chance I got to play, I always love the idea of it.”
“We’ve been tackling in practice, so I was pretty sure that he was going to want us to be able to tackle another team. I’m embracing that and looking forward to it. I definitely wasn’t surprised. None of us were surprised when he said that.”
The Packers might have quarterback Jordan Love and their starters on the sphere as effectively. Inexperienced Bay coach Matt LaFleur has been noncommittal on whether or not he’ll play the Packers’ starters towards the Jets on Saturday.
“I’m definitely excited, especially going to Lambeau,” Jets working again Isaiah Davis mentioned. “I got a bunch of guys, [former] teammates on that team. Tuck [Tucker Kraft] and Amar Johnson are on the team. So, definitely excited to go and get some reps against someone else. Have that competitive nature we have on the field against somebody else, definitely excited for that.”
Damage report
Jets defensive deal with Byron Cowart has an ankle harm and won’t play towards the Packers on Saturday.
As well as, defensive deal with Quinnen Williams (calf), left guard John Simpson (again), rookie tight finish Mason Taylor (excessive ankle sprain), backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor (knee), and particular groups ace Kris Boyd (shoulder) had been all dominated out for the preseason opener towards the Packers earlier this week.
Initially Revealed: August 7, 2025 at 12:37 PM EDT
