Practice Squad Moves Announced Recently by the New York Jets

As the New York Jets enter the critical midseason stretch of the 2025 NFL season, the team has made a series of strategic practice squad adjustments to address emerging depth needs and refine its roster for both short-term flexibility and long-term evaluation. This week, the Jets officially announced three key practice squad moves: signing offensive lineman Taylor Currie and wide receiver Devin Ross, while releasing defensive back Quenton Meeks. Practice Squad Moves Announced Recently by the New York Jets breaks down the motivation behind each decision, how the new additions fit the Jets’ current scheme, and why these seemingly minor adjustments could play a role in the team’s late-season playoff push. For a Jets team balancing injury concerns and positional competition, these practice squad tweaks reflect a proactive approach to roster management.

Practice Squad Moves Announced Recently by the New York Jets begins with the context that drove the Jets’ offensive-focused additions, particularly at offensive line and wide receiver. The Jets’ offensive line has dealt with lingering injuries, including a knee sprain to backup tackle Max Mitchell that will keep him sidelined for 2-3 weeks. With starter Mekhi Becton also managing a shoulder issue, the team needed a versatile lineman who could step into practice reps and potentially be elevated to the active roster if needed. Taylor Currie, a 6’6”, 310-pound tackle/guard with two years of NFL practice squad experience (most recently with the Detroit Lions), emerged as a top target. Currie’s ability to play both tackle spots and interior guard aligns with the Jets’ need for flexibility. On the receiving side, the Jets lost practice squad wideout Diontae Spencer to a hamstring injury, creating a void in depth behind starters Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard. Devin Ross, a 28-year-old with 16 career NFL catches (from stints with the Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs), brings reliable hands and special teams experience—traits the Jets value for their practice squad. “These moves are about protecting our depth,” Jets general manager Joe Douglas said in a press release. “We need guys who can step in, learn quickly, and contribute whether it’s in practice or on game day.”

A key detail in Practice Squad Moves Announced Recently by the New York Jets is the rationale behind releasing defensive back Quenton Meeks, which underscores the Jets’ focus on roster efficiency. Meeks, a 27-year-old cornerback/safety, joined the Jets’ practice squad in September but saw limited reps in practice due to the emergence of younger defensive backs like rookie Jalen Hawkins and recently signed veteran Rasul Douglas. With the Jets’ secondary now healthier (star cornerback Sauce Gardner returned from injury in Week 10), Meeks became a redundant piece. The move frees up a practice squad spot for Currie and Ross while allowing the Jets to allocate resources to more pressing needs. “We’re constantly evaluating every spot on our roster, including the practice squad,” Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich explained. “Quenton is a talented player, but we had to make a tough call based on our current depth and future needs. This move lets us prioritize positions where we have more immediate or long-term questions.” The Jets also noted that Meeks was released with the possibility of being re-signed later if circumstances change—a common practice in the NFL to maintain relationships with promising players.

Practice Squad Moves Announced Recently by the New York Jets also examines how Currie and Ross will contribute to the Jets’ practice squad operations, which extend beyond just filling roster spots. As a practice squad lineman, Currie will primarily simulate opposing defensive linemen in scout-team drills, helping the Jets’ starting offense prepare for upcoming opponents (like the Buffalo Bills’ pass rush in Week 13). He’ll also work closely with offensive line coach John Benton to refine his technique, with the goal of being ready to play if called up. For Ross, his role will involve running scout-team routes to mimic opposing wide receivers and providing extra reps for the Jets’ secondary during practice. Additionally, Ross’ experience as a punt returner (he averaged 8.2 yards per return with the Falcons in 2022) gives the Jets insurance in case starting returner Braxton Berrios faces an injury. “Practice squad players are critical to our preparation,” Jets head coach Robert Saleh said. “Taylor will help our offense get ready for some of the league’s best pass rushers, and Devin will do the same for our defense. Their work might not show up on game stats, but it directly impacts our ability to win.” For the New York Jets, these contributions are especially valuable during a stretch where they face three playoff contenders in four weeks.

Another layer of Practice Squad Moves Announced Recently by the New York Jets is the long-term evaluation component of these signings. The Jets view practice squads as a proving ground for players who could develop into future contributors, and both Currie and Ross fit that mold. Currie, who played college football at Mississippi State, has shown flashes of potential in previous NFL stops but hasn’t yet earned a full-time active roster spot. The Jets hope that working with Benton—one of the league’s top offensive line coaches—will help him refine his consistency. Ross, meanwhile, has shown he can produce in limited NFL action (he had 11 catches for 129 yards with the Chiefs in 2023) but needs more reps to solidify his role. By signing them to the practice squad, the Jets can assess their growth without committing an active roster spot. “We’re always looking for players who can grow with our team,” Douglas said. “Taylor and Devin have tools we like, and the practice squad gives us time to see if they can develop into players who help us win down the line.” For the New York Jets, this long-term view is critical as they build a sustainable contender—practice squad signings today can become key role players tomorrow, as seen with previous Jets practice squad alum like tight end Tyler Conklin.

Looking ahead, Practice Squad Moves Announced Recently by the New York Jets sets up potential scenarios where Currie or Ross could be elevated to the active roster. If Becton’s shoulder injury worsens or Mitchell’s recovery takes longer than expected, Currie could be called up to back up starting tackle George Fant. For Ross, a injury to Wilson, Lazard, or third receiver Randall Cobb would likely lead to his elevation—especially given his special teams experience. The Jets can elevate each practice squad player up to three times during the regular season without burning their eligibility, giving them flexibility to test Currie and Ross in game action. “We don’t want to rush these guys, but we also want to be ready if the moment calls for it,” Saleh said. “If Taylor or Devin show they’re ready in practice, we won’t hesitate to give them an opportunity on Sundays.” For the New York Jets, these practice squad moves are a reminder that roster building is a year-round process—even midseason adjustments can shape the team’s success. By prioritizing flexibility and evaluation, the Jets are positioning themselves to handle injuries, prepare for opponents, and build for the future—all while chasing a playoff spot in 2025.

Practice Squad Moves Announced Recently by the New York Jets is ultimately a story of strategic roster management in the NFL, where every spot—even on the practice squad—matters. The Jets’ decision to sign Currie and Ross, and release Meeks, reflects a balance of immediate need and long-term vision: addressing short-term depth gaps while evaluating players who could contribute down the line. For fans, these moves may seem  compared to high-profile trades or free-agent signings, but they play a crucial role in the team’s daily preparation and long-term success. As the Jets push for a playoff spot, the work of Currie, Ross, and other practice squad players will help the team’s starters stay sharp, adapt to opponents, and avoid the depth-related collapses that have derailed past seasons. In the NFL, winning often comes down to the margins—and the New York Jets’ recent practice squad moves are a step toward controlling those margins.