News on Recoveries Emerges for the New York Jets

As the New York Jets push toward a potential playoff spot in the 2024 NFL season, recent updates on player recoveries have brought a wave of optimism to the franchise and its fan base. After dealing with a handful of key injuries earlier in the year—including setbacks to offensive linemen, defensive stars, and skill position players—the Jets’ medical staff and strength coaches have overseen progress that could reshape the team’s depth for the final stretch. From veteran players returning ahead of schedule to rookies using rehab as a chance to refine their craft, these recovery stories highlight the team’s resilience and commitment to staying competitive. News on Recoveries Emerges for the New York Jets breaks down the latest updates on key players, the impact their returns could have, and how the Jets have built a culture that supports athletes through injury and rehabilitation.

News on Recoveries Emerges for the New York Jets begins with the encouraging update on left tackle Duane Brown, who has been sidelined since Week 3 with a knee sprain. Brown, a 16-year NFL veteran and critical piece of the Jets’ offensive line, was initially expected to miss 8–10 weeks, but recent practice reports indicate he could return as early as Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 38-year-old has been spotted participating in individual drills during team practices, including pass-blocking reps with defensive linemen, and Jets head coach Robert Saleh confirmed the progress in a recent press conference. “Duane’s work ethic during rehab has been incredible,” Saleh said. “He’s in the facility every day, working with our trainers to get his knee right, and he’s ahead of where we thought he’d be at this point.” Brown’s return would be a major boost for the Jets’ offense, which has relied on Andre Dillard at left tackle in his absence. While Dillard has performed admirably, Brown’s experience and consistency—especially in pass protection against elite edge rushers—would provide much-needed stability as the Jets face tough defenses like the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins in the final weeks. For Brown, the recovery is also a testament to his longevity; few players at his position have been able to bounce back from injuries at his age, but his dedication to training has kept him in contention for a key role.

A key recovery update that has flown under the radar is the progress of rookie wide receiver Xavier Gipson, who missed three games in October with a hamstring injury. Gipson, a fifth-round pick from Stephen F. Austin who made a name for himself as a return specialist early in the season, has been gradually increasing his workload in practice, including full participation in team drills during Week 13. The 5-foot-9 receiver, known for his speed and ability to create separation in the slot, told reporters he’s “feeling 100%” and ready to contribute on both offense and special teams. “The hamstring injury was frustrating, but I used the time off to study film and work on my route-running,” Gipson said. “I wanted to come back better than I was before, and I think I’ve done that.” Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett echoed the sentiment, noting that Gipson’s return would add depth to a wide receiver group that has relied heavily on Garrett Wilson and Malik Washington. “Xavier brings a different element to our offense—he’s quick, he can make plays after the catch, and he’s a threat in the return game,” Hackett said. “Having him back gives us more options, especially in two-minute drills where we need to move the ball quickly.” For the Jets, Gipson’s recovery is also a win for their rookie class, which has already made significant contributions this season; his return ensures that the team can continue to leverage young talent alongside veterans.

A critical aspect of News on Recoveries Emerges for the New York Jets is the ongoing rehabilitation of defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, who has been out since Week 7 with a calf injury—and what it means for the current New York Jets’ defensive line depth. Rankins, a 29-year-old who signed a two-year deal with the Jets in 2023, has been a reliable rotational player, recording 2 sacks and 15 tackles in the first six games before his injury. Recent updates from the Jets’ medical staff indicate that Rankins has started light weightlifting and cardio workouts, but he’s not yet ready for on-field contact, pushing his potential return to Week 15 at the earliest. While the Jets have managed to maintain a strong run defense without Rankins—thanks in large part to Quinnen Williams and undrafted rookie Eric Johnson Jr.—his absence has been felt in pass-rushing situations, where he often draws double teams to free up Williams. “Sheldon is a key part of our defensive line rotation,” Jets defensive line coach Matt Raich said. “He’s strong, he can push the pocket, and he’s good at disrupting quarterbacks’ timing. We’re taking his recovery slow to make sure he doesn’t re-injure the calf, but we’re hopeful he’ll be back before the end of the regular season.” For the New York Jets, Rankins’ recovery is a balancing act: the team wants him back to strengthen the defense for the playoffs, but it also doesn’t want to rush him and risk a more serious injury. The patience shown by the Jets’ staff reflects their long-term focus—prioritizing Rankins’ health over short-term gains to ensure he’s available for the most important games.

Another important recovery story for the Jets is the return of safety Ashtyn Davis, who missed five games with a shoulder injury and made his comeback in Week 12 against the Buffalo Bills. Davis, a fourth-year player from California, recorded 4 tackles and a pass deflection in his return, helping the Jets hold the Bills to 20 points in a one-point win. The 27-year-old safety, who primarily plays in sub-packages, told reporters that the recovery process taught him to appreciate the small steps—from basic mobility exercises to full-contact drills. “Coming back from a shoulder injury is tough because it affects everything—tackling, covering, even just lifting weights,” Davis said. “But our training staff was with me every step of the way, and they made sure I didn’t cut any corners.” Jets secondary coach Tony Oden praised Davis’ attention to detail during rehab, noting that he used the time off to study opposing offenses and improve his football IQ. “Ashtyn didn’t just sit around waiting to get healthy—he was in meetings, taking notes, and asking questions,” Oden said. “That’s the kind of player you want on your team; he’s always looking to get better, even when he can’t be on the field.” For the New York Jets, Davis’ return strengthens a secondary that has already been one of the team’s strongest units this season. With Davis back in the fold, the Jets can use more three-safety packages, which will be critical against pass-heavy teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, who they face in Week 16. His recovery also underscores the Jets’ depth in the secondary—a luxury they didn’t have in recent seasons—and provides insurance in case of future injuries to starters like Jordan Poyer or Adrian Amos.

Wrapping up News on Recoveries Emerges for the New York Jets is the broader impact of these recoveries on the Jets’ playoff aspirations and team culture. In the NFL, injuries are inevitable, but how a team responds to them often defines its season. For the Jets, the progress of Brown, Gipson, Rankins, and Davis—along with other players working their way back—has kept the team in contention in a competitive AFC East. What’s equally important is the culture of support that has emerged around the rehab process: veterans like Brown have mentored younger players during their recoveries, while the entire team has rallied around injured teammates, often wearing their jersey numbers in practice to show solidarity. “Injuries can divide a team, but they’ve brought us closer,” Saleh said. “Our players understand that we’re in this together, whether someone is on the field, on the sidelines, or in the training room. That unity is going to be key as we head into the final weeks.” For the New York Jets, these recoveries are more than just updates on player health—they’re signs of a team that’s building something sustainable. Each player’s return adds depth, experience, or a unique skill set, and together, they’re creating a roster that can handle the rigors of a playoff run. As the Jets look ahead to the final stretch, the news on recoveries isn’t just good—it’s a reminder that they have the talent, resilience, and support system to compete with the best teams in the NFL. News on Recoveries Emerges for the New York Jets isn’t just about who’s coming back; it’s about what their return means for a franchise that’s finally starting to turn the corner.