Rehab Progress Noted for Key Players on the New York Jets

As the New York Jets fight for an AFC wild-card spot, the team has received encouraging updates on the rehab progress of three key injured players: safety Kyle Dugger, wide receiver Corey Davis, and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. All three have been sidelined for at least four weeks with significant injuries, but recent practice observations and statements from Jets coaches and trainers indicate they are on track for potential returns before the end of the regular season. For a Jets team that has relied on depth to overcome midseason injuries, the progress of these core contributors offers a timely boost—strengthening both the defense and offense as the team enters the critical final stretch. Rehab Progress Noted for Key Players on the New York Jets breaks down each player’s recovery journey, their expected return timelines, and how their comeback could impact the Jets’ playoff aspirations.

Rehab Progress Noted for Key Players on the New York Jets first highlights safety Kyle Dugger’s recovery from a fractured hand, an injury that landed him on Injured Reserve in Week 14. Dugger, who was the Jets’ third-leading tackler (76 tackles) and a versatile playmaker (3 interceptions, 2 sacks) before his injury, has been spotted at Jets practice in recent weeks wearing a protective glove and participating in light drills. According to Jets head athletic trainer John Mellody, Dugger’s hand has healed faster than expected, and he has progressed from individual drills to limited team reps. “Kyle has been exceptional in his rehab,” Mellody said. “He’s showing full range of motion in the hand, and the protective gear we’ve fitted him with allows him to grip and tackle safely. We’re targeting a possible return in Week 17 against the Miami Dolphins, but we’ll take it one day at a time.” Dugger’s return would be a major boost to the Jets’ secondary, which has relied on backups Joshuah Bledsoe and Duron Harmon in his absence. His ability to play both box safety and coverage would also allow defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich to revert to more aggressive schemes.

Complementing Dugger’s progress, Rehab Progress Noted for Key Players on the New York Jets details wide receiver Corey Davis’ comeback from a knee sprain that sidelined him in Week 12. Davis, who has 38 catches for 452 yards and 2 touchdowns this season, has been a reliable target for quarterback Zach Wilson, especially on third downs (11 third-down receptions). After spending three weeks focusing on strength and mobility exercises, Davis returned to practice last week, participating in walkthroughs and individual route-running drills. Jets wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni noted that Davis has not experienced any pain or swelling in the knee, a key milestone for his return. “Corey’s work ethic during rehab has been outstanding,” Azzanni said. “He’s been here every morning doing extra reps, and his route precision is already back to where it was before the injury. We’re hopeful he can return for our Week 16 game against the Atlanta Falcons, but we won’t rush him—we want him 100% when he steps back on the field.” Davis’ return would alleviate pressure on rookie wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who has seen an increased target share (from 22% to 31%) since Davis’ injury, and provide Wilson with a much-needed veteran presence in the passing game.

Rehab Progress Noted for Key Players on the New York Jets also spotlights defensive tackle Quinnen Williams’ recovery from a high ankle sprain, an injury that forced him to miss the Jets’ last two games. Williams, a Pro Bowl selection in 2023, has been a dominant force on the interior line this season, recording 5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 38 total tackles. After initial concerns that he could miss 4–6 weeks, Williams’ rehab has accelerated: he was seen practicing without a brace last week and participated in limited team drills, including pass-rushing scenarios. Jets defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton emphasized that Williams’ progress is a testament to his dedication. “Quinnen is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever coached,” Whitecotton said. “He’s attacked rehab with the same intensity he brings to games—doing extra mobility work, working with our strength staff to build ankle stability, and studying film to stay sharp. We’re targeting a return for Week 16 against Atlanta, which would be a huge win for our defensive line.” For the New York Jets, Williams’ return would reinforce an interior line that has already improved with the addition of Dalvin Tomlinson, creating a dominant trio (Williams, Tomlinson, and Javon Kinlaw) that could overwhelm opposing offensive lines in the playoff race.

Another layer of Rehab Progress Noted for Key Players on the New York Jets is the impact of these recoveries on team morale. The Jets have faced a wave of injuries this season, from Leander Wiegand’s season-ending MCL tear to Williams’ ankle sprain, but the recent rehab updates have injected optimism into the locker room. Quarterback Zach Wilson noted that seeing teammates like Davis and Williams back in practice has energized the team. “It’s huge to see those guys out there,” Wilson said. “They’re leaders on this team, and their presence alone makes everyone better. Knowing they could be back soon gives us a lot of confidence heading into these final games.” The Jets’ coaching staff has also used the rehab progress as a motivational tool, highlighting the players’ work ethic in team meetings. For the New York Jets, this morale boost comes at a critical time: the team is tied for the final AFC wild-card spot with an 8-7 record, and every win from here on out could determine their playoff fate. “These guys’ recoveries aren’t just about football—they’re about resilience,” said Jets head coach Robert Saleh. “They’ve shown that no matter the obstacle, they’re going to fight back. That’s the kind of mindset we need to finish the season strong.”

Rehab Progress Noted for Key Players on the New York Jets also considers the cautious approach the Jets are taking with these players, even as their rehab progresses. Saleh and the team’s medical staff have emphasized that they will not risk long-term injuries for short-term gains, especially with the playoffs within reach. For example, while Dugger is on track for a Week 17 return, the Jets may hold him out if there is any sign of discomfort, opting to use him in the playoffs instead. Similarly, Davis and Williams will need to pass full-contact drills before being cleared to play. “We have to be smart,” Saleh said. “These are key players, and we need them healthy for the long haul—not just one game. If that means waiting an extra week, we’ll wait. Our goal is to make the playoffs and compete for a championship, and we can’t do that if our best players are hurt.” This cautious approach is a departure from past seasons, when the Jets sometimes rushed players back from injuries, leading to setbacks. For the New York Jets, it reflects a more mature, playoff-focused mindset—one that prioritizes sustainability over immediate results.

The final dimension of Rehab Progress Noted for Key Players on the New York Jets is what these returns could mean for the Jets’ playoff potential. If all three players return healthy, the Jets would have a nearly full roster for the first time since Week 10, strengthening both sides of the ball. On defense, Dugger and Williams would rejoin a unit that has already improved its run defense and pass rush, making it one of the most formidable in the AFC. On offense, Davis would provide Wilson with a reliable third option (alongside Garrett Wilson and tight end Tyler Conklin), opening up the passing game and reducing pressure on the running attack. For the New York Jets, these returns could be the difference between making the playoffs and missing out. “Having these guys back changes everything,” said general manager Joe Douglas. “They’re not just good players—they’re leaders who make everyone around them better. If we can get them back healthy, we have a real chance to make some noise in the playoffs.” As the Jets prepare for their Week 16 game against the Falcons, all eyes will be on the practice field—watching for signs that Dugger, Davis, and Williams are ready to rejoin the team and help lead the Jets to their first playoff berth since 2010. “We’re almost there,” Williams said after practice last week. “I’m going to keep working, and when I’m back, I’m going to give everything I have to help this team win.”