FLORHAM PARK (N.J.) -- Denzel Mims of the New York Jets will be active Sunday. He has been a healthy scratch the past two games due to mysteriously falling down the depth charts in the preseason.
The Jets have reduced their roster to just five healthy receivers and are now turning to the 2020 second round pick. His absence has been criticized by media and fans.
This week's circumstances were different. Elijah Moore, Jeff Smith and Jeff Smith were both ruled out with concussions in Sunday's game against Tennessee Titans. Moore sustained injuries last week, while Smith sustained serious head injuries in an accident on the way to the Jets' facility Wednesday morning.
Mims now has his chance.
Coach Robert Saleh stated Friday that he was going to have an opportunity. "Hopefully, he seizes the opportunity. We're expecting him to. He had a great third week of practice. He is really becoming comfortable in the offense and we are excited to see him receive his op.
Jets (0-3) will take a different approach to receiver. Jamison Crowder will make his season debut, having been released from a groin injury. Crowder and Braxtonberrios will be the slot receivers. Corey Davis, Keelan Colley and Mims will be on the outside.
Moore will be replaced by Cole or Mims as an outside starter, in addition to Davis.
Mims was a substitute for Cole in the opener, but he only got three offensive snaps. One of those was a 40 yard reception in the Carolina Panthers' loss.
Saleh stated that he was not able to play special teams and was still trying to master the X- and Z-positions at receiver, which are prerequisites for a backup position. The offense had a terrible start with only 20 points in its first three games. This only fuelled more criticism.
Saleh stated that Mims is comfortable in both the receiver and transmitter positions.
Saleh stated, "You can see the speed and athleticism that he has." It's just about getting him these opportunities, taking it to Sunday and executing alongside his teammates. Then, it's about being the man we expect him to become.
Since being drafted, Mims has faced many challenges. Mims was injured in his first season and missed the second half of his second season. He then lost 15 pounds after a bout with food poisoning.
He showed promise when he played. In nine games last year, Mims had 23 receptions for 357 yard -- an average of 15.5 yards per catch -- and he played in all nine games.
Saleh stated that safety Marcus Maye (sprained right ankle) will miss two games due to injury. After their bye against the New England Patriots on Oct. 24, they hope to have him back.
