Tough Challenges for Reserves of the New York Jets

For the reserve players of the New York Jets—those on the practice squad, the inactive list, or stuck in backup roles—each NFL season is a constant battle against uncertainty, limited opportunity, and the pressure to prove their worth at a moment’s notice. Tough Challenges for Reserves of the New York Jets isn’t just about the physical demands of the game; it’s about the mental toll of waiting for a chance to play, the financial instability of short-term contracts, and the emotional weight of knowing one mistake could end their NFL dream. Unlike starters who enjoy consistent reps, media attention, and job security, reserves live in a state of limbo—preparing as if they’ll start every week, only to watch from the sidelines or spend Sundays on the practice field. For these athletes, resilience isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity to survive in the league.

Tough Challenges for Reserves of the New York Jets begins with one of the most glaring hurdles: limited playing time and the struggle to stay sharp. Practice squad players, for example, typically only get 10-15 reps per practice—far fewer than the 50+ reps starters receive—and rarely see game action unless there’s an injury or a late-season roster expansion. Even active backups, like third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun, spend most games standing on the sideline, holding a clipboard and studying the playbook, but not actually participating in live snaps. This lack of game experience makes it harder to adjust when they are called upon: in Week 11, when Oladokun was forced into action after Zach Wilson and Tim Boyle were injured, he completed just 4 of 9 passes for 32 yards and threw an interception. “It’s impossible to replicate game speed in practice,” Oladokun said after the game. “You can study all you want, but when you haven’t taken a live snap in months, your body and mind aren’t ready. That’s the biggest challenge for guys like me—staying prepared when you’re not playing.” Coaches try to mitigate this by giving reserves extra reps after practice, but it’s no substitute for real game action.

Tough Challenges for Reserves of the New York Jets delves into the financial instability that plagues many reserve players. Unlike starters who sign multi-year, multi-million dollar contracts, practice squad players earn a base salary of just \(12,000 per week in 2024—far less than the \)1 million+ per week some starters make. Even active backups on the 53-man roster often sign one-year, minimum-salary deals, with no guarantee they’ll be re-signed the following season. For Jets practice squad wide receiver Malik Washington, who supports a family of four, this means making tough financial choices: “I rent a small apartment in New Jersey because I can’t afford a house, and I save every penny in case I get cut. It’s stressful knowing that one bad practice or one injury to a starter could cost me my job—and my ability to provide for my family.” The instability also makes it hard to put down roots: Washington has moved three times in two years, following opportunities with the Jets, the Green Bay Packers, and the Los Angeles Chargers. For reserve players, the NFL isn’t just a career—it’s a constant audition for their next paycheck.

Tough Challenges for Reserves of the New York Jets highlights how the New York Jets’ roster turnover exacerbates these challenges. The Jets have one of the highest turnover rates among NFL teams, with an average of 25% of their practice squad and backup players being cut or signed by other teams each season. This constant roster churn means reserves can’t build long-term relationships with coaches or teammates, and they have to relearn the playbook every time a new coordinator is hired or a new system is installed. For example, when the Jets hired offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in 2024, practice squad tight end Matt Sokol had to learn an entirely new playbook in just two weeks—while still competing for a spot on the active roster. “Every year, it’s something new: a new coach, a new system, a new group of guys,” Sokol said. “You can’t get comfortable because the team is always changing. The New York Jets are building for the future, but for reserves, that future is always uncertain. We’re just trying to hang on long enough to be part of it.” Coaches acknowledge the challenge but say it’s part of the NFL’s competitive nature: “We have to do what’s best for the team,” said Jets head coach Robert Saleh. “Sometimes that means making tough roster decisions, even if it’s hard for the players.”

Tough Challenges for Reserves of the New York Jets explores the mental health toll of being a reserve. Studies by the NFL Players Association have found that reserve players are twice as likely to report symptoms of anxiety and depression as starters, due to the constant uncertainty and lack of recognition. For Jets practice squad defensive tackle Jalyn Holmes, who has been on four different practice squads in three years, the mental strain is often worse than the physical one. “You wake up every morning wondering if today is the day you get cut,” Holmes said. “You watch your teammates get interviewed on TV, get fan mail, and sign autographs, while you’re stuck in the background. It’s easy to feel like you’re not good enough, even when you know you’re just as talented as the guys playing.” The Jets have tried to address this by hiring a mental health counselor specifically for reserve players and hosting monthly “check-in” meetings where reserves can talk about their struggles. But for many, the pressure remains: “The counselor helps, but it doesn’t change the fact that my job is on the line every day,” Holmes added. The New York Jets’ organization has made strides in supporting reserves, but the league-wide issue of mental health for backups remains a work in progress.

Tough Challenges for Reserves of the New York Jets wraps up with the small victories that keep reserves going—and the unsung role they play in the team’s success. Even when they don’t play, reserves are critical to practice, simulating opposing players’ tendencies and helping starters prepare for games. For example, practice squad wide receiver Diontae Spencer spends every week studying the film of the Jets’ upcoming opponent’s top cornerback, then mimics that player’s style in practice to help Jets starters like Garrett Wilson prepare. “I might not play on Sunday, but if I can help Garrett beat their cornerback, that’s a win for the team,” Spencer said. These contributions often go unnoticed by fans and media, but coaches and teammates recognize their value. “Our reserves are the backbone of this team,” Saleh said. “They work just as hard as the starters, and without them, we couldn’t prepare properly. We owe them a lot.” For reserves like Spencer, Oladokun, and Holmes, the hope of one day becoming a starter keeps them going—even when the challenges feel overwhelming. Tough Challenges for Reserves of the New York Jets isn’t just a story about struggle; it’s a story about perseverance, passion, and the quiet dedication of athletes who love the game enough to keep fighting, even when the odds are stacked against them.