Jets Minicamp Practice Report | Offense ‘Sharpening the Sword’ Before Break (2024)

With quarterback Aaron Rodgers not in attendance for minicamp, veteran QB Tyrod Taylor worked with the first-team offense in the Jets' second-to-last practice before breaking before training camp opens next month.

These sessions follow the same rules as OTAs and Tuesday's script was similar to most of the spring practices. There were two team periods, including a move-the-ball red zone period at the end of practice where Taylor and the offense couldn't find the end zone.

"I think it was competitive," Taylor said of Tuesday's session. "I think we did some good things, but there's always stuff to clean up. Overall, I like the way the guys came out and competed. There's always room for improvement. You'll never hear me say, 'Oh this was great. On to the next.' Even in blowout wins and days the offense dominates the field, there are opportunities to get better. That's how you have to look at it, with a critical eye. We'll continue to keep doing that and continue to keep sharpening the sword as we head into training camp."

Taylor quickly connected with WR Garrett Wilson on the right sideline for a short gain in the period but couldn't connect with second-year WR Xavier Gipson or TE Jeremy Ruckert in the back middle of the end zone as the defense collapsed the pocket to force an early throw on both plays. Taylor's final pass was a slant to Allen Lazard, lined up in the slot, that was broken up by two-time first-team All-Pro CB Sauce Gardner.

Even though the offense did not score, Taylor, entering Year 14, has impressed head coach Robert Saleh since he signed with the team in March.

"He's been fantastic," Saleh said. "Elite human, elite leader. The speed at which he's grasping the offense has been pretty cool. He's calling two-minute [offense] already. He's going to get another opportunity today and tomorrow to do the same thing. Really appreciate the dialogue that we've all been able to have with him."

Injury Update
The Jets were accustomed to shuffling along the offensive line last season (when they started 13 combinations), but Robert Saleh believes his starting five linemen, including three new faces, will be healthy for training camp.

Alijah Vera-Tucker (Achilles tendon) and Morgan Moses (pec) have not participated in OTAs or minicamp, but Saleh is "fully expecting" them to be ready for the start of camp. Eight-time Pro Bowl LT Tyron Smith, who didn't practice last week because of a rest day, practiced Tuesday and will practice Wednesday.

WR Mike Williams has not practiced in his new colors since signing with the Green & White as he recovers from an ACL injury sustained in Week 3 last season. Saleh said Williams is on a similar recovery timeline to Breece Hall from last summer, who was rehabbing his ACL injury at the time. Hall started training camp on the physically unable to perform list and was activated in mid-August.

Hall, who has been sidelined in the spring, did not practice Tuesday.

"There's no point," Saleh said. "If this was game week, he would roll, but there's no point. Another opportunity for two rookies [Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis] and Izzy [Israel Abanikanda] to continue to get all those reps."

Penultimate Practice Before Training Camp
The Jets have one more minicamp practice before a month-long-plus period between the end of minicamp and the start of training camp, which Robert Saleh describes as "Phase Me."

"Finish this thing strong," he said. "Knock on wood keep injury free, but these next two days are basically an extension of OTAs. The same rules apply so you're limited on what you can and can't do, but to finish off, have a little fun and attack the next phase of the offseason."