Changes Detail Busy Period for the New York Jets

The past six weeks have marked a remarkably busy period for the New York Jets, with a flurry of strategic changes—from midseason roster signings to coaching adjustments and injury-related moves—all aimed at solidifying their AFC wild-card push. What began as a season of uncertainty, with the Jets sitting at 5-5 in early November, has transformed into a playoff-contending campaign, thanks in large part to the team’s willingness to adapt and act decisively. These changes aren’t random tweaks; they’re calculated moves by general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh to address weaknesses, leverage strengths, and keep the team competitive amid injuries. Changes Detail Busy Period for the New York Jets breaks down each key change, the thinking behind it, and how it has contributed to the Jets’ recent 3-2 stretch and climb to an 8-7 record.

Changes Detail Busy Period for the New York Jets first highlights the Jets’ midseason roster signings, which addressed critical depth needs on both offense and defense. In early November, the team signed veteran guard Kevin Zeitler off the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad to stabilize an offensive line decimated by injuries to Mike Onwenu (hip) and Cole Strange (knee). Zeitler, a 12-year pro and former Pro Bowler, quickly stepped into the starting right guard role, allowing zero sacks in his first four games and helping the Jets’ rushing attack improve from 102.1 to 128.3 yards per game. Days later, the Jets added defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice squad to reinforce the interior line, where Quinnen Williams had been playing through a nagging ankle injury. Nunez-Roches has since recorded 12 tackles and a sack, including a critical stop in the Jets’ Week 14 win over the Los Angeles Chargers that forced a fourth-down turnover. “These signings were about adding proven talent that could contribute immediately,” Douglas said. “We identified positions where we were thin, and we moved fast to bring in guys who fit our system and culture. That’s the key to navigating a long NFL season.”

Complementing the roster additions, Changes Detail Busy Period for the New York Jets details the Jets’ coaching adjustments, which have unlocked more production from the offense. Facing inconsistent play from quarterback Zach Wilson, Saleh and offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien shifted to a more run-heavy scheme in late November, increasing the team’s rushing attempts from 28.5 to 35.2 per game. The change paid off: running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris combined for 587 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in the past five games, taking pressure off Wilson and keeping opposing defenses off balance. The Jets also adjusted their passing game, focusing on short, quick throws to wide receiver Garrett Wilson and tight end Tyler Conklin—reducing Wilson’s decision-making burden and cutting down on interceptions (from 6 in Weeks 1–10 to 2 in Weeks 11–15). “Football is about adapting,” O’Brien said. “We saw that our run game was working, so we leaned into it. We also simplified things for Zach, letting him play with more confidence. These adjustments have made our offense more consistent and harder to defend.”

Changes Detail Busy Period for the New York Jets also explores the team’s injury-related roster moves, which have balanced short-term needs with long-term flexibility. When safety Kyle Dugger (fractured hand) and wide receiver Corey Davis (knee sprain) were placed on Injured Reserve in mid-November, the Jets promoted safety Joshuah Bledsoe from the practice squad and re-signed former Jets safety Duron Harmon to the practice squad. Bledsoe, a third-year player, has started four games in Dugger’s absence, recording 21 tackles and a pass deflection, while Harmon—who spent seven seasons with New England—has provided valuable depth and leadership. The Jets also activated rookie defensive end Javon Kinlaw from IR in Week 9, a move that coincided with the team’s improved pass rush (14 sacks in the past six games, up from 10 in the first eight weeks). For the New York Jets, these moves reflect a “next-man-up” philosophy that has kept the team competitive despite injuries. “Injuries are inevitable in the NFL, but how you respond defines your season,” Saleh said. “We’ve built depth through the draft and free agency, and when guys go down, we have confidence that the next guy can step up. That’s what’s made this busy period successful.”

Another layer of Changes Detail Busy Period for the New York Jets is the team’s special teams adjustments, which have turned a once-struggling unit into a strength. After allowing three return touchdowns in the first eight weeks, the Jets promoted special teams coordinator Brant Boyer to a more prominent role in game planning, and he responded by shifting personnel: moving defensive back Ashtyn Davis to the “gunner” position on punt coverage and increasing snaps for veteran Justin Hardee. The changes have paid dividends: the Jets have not allowed a return touchdown in the past five games, and Hardee was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 14 for his three tackles, forced fumble, and blocked field goal. For the New York Jets, the special teams turnaround has been critical in close games—their Week 13 win over the Chargers was decided by a blocked field goal, and their Week 15 win over the Patriots was sealed by a punt downed inside the 5-yard line. “Special teams can win or lose games, and we knew we needed to fix that unit,” Boyer said. “We made personnel changes, simplified our schemes, and focused on fundamentals. The result is a unit that’s now a weapon, not a liability.”

Changes Detail Busy Period for the New York Jets also spotlights the Jets’ strategic use of the practice squad, which has allowed them to develop young talent while maintaining flexibility. The team signed former rugby star Joe Manu to the practice squad in late November, a low-risk move to evaluate his potential as a special teams contributor or tight end. Manu has spent the past month learning NFL rules and refining his skills, and while he hasn’t been activated to the active roster yet, the Jets see long-term potential in his athleticism. The Jets also used the practice squad to stash defensive tackle Tanzel Smart and wide receiver Diontae Spencer, both of whom have been elevated to the active roster for short stretches to fill in for injured players. For the New York Jets, the practice squad has become a vital tool in navigating a busy period, providing depth without committing to long-term contracts. “The practice squad is where you build for the future while addressing present needs,” Douglas said. “Guys like Joe Manu give us a chance to develop unique talent, while players like Tanzel Smart can step in when we need them. It’s a flexible solution that’s been key to our success lately.”

The final dimension of Changes Detail Busy Period for the New York Jets is how these changes have positioned the team for the final stretch of the season and beyond. With the Jets currently tied for the 6th seed in the AFC, the roster signings, coaching adjustments, and injury moves have collectively turned a team on the bubble into a legitimate playoff contender. The changes have also reinforced the culture Saleh and Douglas are building—one of adaptability, resilience, and proactive problem-solving. As the Jets prepare for their final two games against the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins, these changes will continue to shape their strategy: relying on the run game to control the clock, using the improved pass rush to pressure quarterbacks, and leaning on special teams to swing momentum. “This busy period has been about more than just winning games—it’s about building a foundation,” Saleh said. “We’ve shown that we can identify problems, make changes, and execute. That’s the kind of team that can not only make the playoffs but compete once we’re there.” For the New York Jets, the changes of the past six weeks are a testament to their commitment to winning—and a sign that the franchise is finally moving in the right direction.