Tough Challenges Test Reserves of the New York Jets

As the New York Jets battle through a stretch of high-stakes games and a mounting injury list, their reserve players have been thrust into the spotlight—facing challenges that few could have anticipated before the season. These backups, once limited to practice reps and garbage-time snaps, now find themselves starting critical drives, covering top receivers, and protecting Aaron Rodgers’ blind side in games that could make or break the Jets’ playoff chances. The challenges go beyond just on-field performance: reserves must quickly learn new roles, adapt to last-minute schematic changes, and handle the pressure of replacing fan-favorite starters—all while avoiding mistakes that could cost the team wins. For a Jets team already thin on depth, how these reserves respond to these tough tests will likely define their late-season success. Tough Challenges Test Reserves of the New York Jets explores the specific hurdles facing the Jets’ backups, their performances under pressure, and why their resilience has become a surprise storyline of the Jets’ season.

The most visible test for Jets reserves has come at wide receiver, where injuries to Mecole Hardman and Corey Davis have forced backups Jeff Smith and Josh Bellamy into expanded roles. Smith, a third-year player with just 12 career catches entering 2023, has been tasked with replacing Davis as the team’s No. 2 receiver—a role that requires him to stretch the field and win one-on-one matchups against elite cornerbacks. The challenge has been steep: in his first three starts, Smith dropped three critical passes (including one that would have extended a fourth-quarter drive against the Bills) and struggled to create separation from press coverage. Bellamy, a 12-year veteran signed off the practice squad in November, has fared slightly better (catching 6 of 8 targets) but lacks the speed to threaten defenses deep, limiting the Jets’ passing game flexibility. Both players have also had to adjust to Rodgers’ quick decision-making—something that took starters weeks to master. “It’s not just about catching passes,” said wide receivers coach Miles Austin. “It’s about knowing where Aaron expects you to be, even if the play breaks down. That’s a lot to ask of guys who haven’t gotten consistent reps.” Tough Challenges Test Reserves of the New York Jets frames the receiver reserves’ struggles as a microcosm of the team’s broader depth challenges, showing how inexperience can hinder even the most talented backups.

On the defensive side, reserve defensive linemen have faced their own set of tough challenges, as injuries to Jonathan Marshall and Vinny Curry have left the unit shorthanded behind stars Quinnen Williams and Solomon Thomas. Undrafted rookie Tanzel Smart, who spent most of the season on the practice squad, has been forced into rotational snaps—and while he’s shown effort (recording 1 sack in Week 12), he’s struggled to handle the physicality of NFL offensive linemen. In the Jets’ Week 13 loss to the Falcons, Smart was pushed back five yards on a key third-and-short play, allowing Atlanta to convert and extend a scoring drive. Veteran Shelby Harris, signed in early December to add depth, has also faced challenges: after sitting out nearly two months with a shoulder injury, Harris needed time to adjust to the Jets’ 4-3 scheme, and he looked rusty in his first two games (allowing 8 yards on two run plays when lined up one-on-one). The biggest challenge for these reserves? Playing without the luxury of rest—Williams has been forced to play over 80% of defensive snaps in the last three games, up from his season average of 72%, because the backups can’t be trusted to hold their own. “We’re asking our reserves to do more than just fill a spot—we need them to contribute,” said defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire. “Right now, they’re still learning, and that’s putting extra pressure on our starters.” Tough Challenges Test Reserves of the New York Jets explores how the defensive line reserves’ growing pains have impacted the entire defense’s performance.

For the New York Jets, reserve offensive linemen have faced perhaps the toughest challenges of all—especially with left tackle Mekhi Becton sidelined by a knee injury. Max Mitchell, a second-year player who allowed 4 sacks in limited action last season, has been named Becton’s replacement—a role that requires him to protect Rodgers’ blind side against some of the NFL’s best edge rushers. The challenge was on full display in Week 14: Mitchell was beaten three times by Panthers defensive end Brian Burns, including once for a sack that forced a Jets punt in the third quarter. Chris Glaser, an undrafted rookie called up from the practice squad in Week 13, has also struggled in his limited snaps—he was called for a holding penalty in his NFL debut that negated a 15-yard gain. These struggles have forced the Jets to simplify their offensive scheme, relying more on quick passes and run plays to reduce the pressure on Mitchell and Glaser. “The offensive line is all about chemistry, and we’re asking guys who haven’t played together to protect our franchise quarterback,” said offensive line coach Chris Strausser. “That’s a tall order, and we’re seeing the growing pains every week.” For the New York Jets, the reserves’ struggles on the offensive line aren’t just a short-term issue—they’ve limited Rodgers’ ability to execute the deep passing game, which was supposed to be a cornerstone of the Jets’ offense this season. Tough Challenges Test Reserves of the New York Jets emphasizes how the line reserves’ inexperience has become a bottleneck for the entire offense.

The New York Jets’ special teams reserves have also been tested by tough challenges, as injuries and inconsistent play have forced the team to rely on practice squad call-ups for key roles. Rookie punt returner Xavier Gipson, who won a roster spot in training camp with a game-winning return, has struggled with ball security—fumbling twice in the last four games (including once that led to a Patriots touchdown in Week 11). Reserve kickoff specialist Kaare Vedvik, signed in October to replace an injured Braden Mann, has also faced criticism: he had two kickoffs go out of bounds in Week 11, giving the Bills favorable field position that led to a scoring drive. The biggest challenge for these reserves? Performing in high-pressure situations with little game experience. Unlike starters, special teams reserves rarely get reps in critical moments during practice, so they’re often learning on the job. “Special teams is about muscle memory, and when you’re not getting consistent reps, it’s hard to execute when the game is on the line,” said special teams coordinator Brant Boyer. “We’re asking these guys to step up in moments that even veterans struggle with, and it’s been a tough test.” For the New York Jets, the special teams reserves’ struggles have been costly—they’ve lost three close games this season where a better punt return or a more consistent kickoff could have made the difference. Tough Challenges Test Reserves of the New York Jets examines how these often-overlooked backups have become a critical factor in the Jets’ win-loss record.

Finally, the toughest challenge facing all New York Jets reserves is mental resilience—the ability to bounce back from mistakes and stay focused despite constant pressure. For players like Smith and Mitchell, who have been criticized by fans and media for their early struggles, staying confident has been as hard as any on-field task. Smith, for example, considered asking for a reduced role after his three-drop game against the Bills, but veteran Jarvis Landry (signed in November) talked him through it, emphasizing that even Pro Bowlers make mistakes. “The mental part is harder than the physical part,” Smith said in a recent interview. “Every time you drop a pass or get beat, you wonder if you belong. Having veterans who believe in you helps a lot.” The Jets’ coaching staff has also taken steps to support reserves, including one-on-one film sessions and reduced practice reps to prevent burnout. For the New York Jets, the reserves’ mental resilience may be their most important trait moving forward—because with the injury list unlikely to shrink before the end of the season, these backups will continue to play key roles. Tough Challenges Test Reserves of the New York Jets concludes that while the reserves have faced steep hurdles, their growth and resilience have been a silver lining for the Jets. Even if they don’t make the playoffs this season, the experience these backups are gaining could turn them into reliable contributors down the line—proving that tough challenges, while painful in the moment, can ultimately make a team stronger.