Tests of Team Depth in Season for the New York Jets

Every NFL season puts a team’s depth to the test—injuries, fatigue, and unexpected absences force backups to step into critical roles, and how a franchise responds often defines its success. For the New York Jets, this season has been a relentless examination of their roster depth, with key players sidelined across offense, defense, and special teams. From star running back Breece Hall missing three games to left tackle Mekhi Becton’s midseason injury, the Jets didn’t just rely on their starters—they turned to role players, practice squad call-ups, and young talents to keep their playoff hopes alive. These tests weren’t just obstacles; they became opportunities to prove that the Jets’ roster is built for resilience, not just top-tier talent. Tests of Team Depth in Season for the New York Jets isn’t just about surviving injuries; it’s about how a team’s depth can turn potential losses into wins and shape a season of growth.

Tests of Team Depth in Season for the New York Jets begins with the running back room, which faced its first major test in Week 10 when Hall suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for three games. Hall had been the Jets’ offensive engine, accounting for 45% of their rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, so his absence left a massive gap. Instead of collapsing, the Jets turned to a committee of Michael Carter and Israel Abanikanda—two backups who had seen limited snaps before the injury. Carter, a third-year player, stepped into short-yardage and third-down roles, converting 7 of 9 third-and-1 attempts and rushing for 289 yards during Hall’s absence. Abanikanda, a rookie fourth-round pick, brought speed to the stretch run, averaging 6.1 yards per carry and scoring a crucial touchdown in Week 12 against the Houston Texans. What stood out wasn’t just their production—it was their ability to adapt to Hall’s role while playing to their own strengths. “We never doubted our running back depth,” offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett said. “Carter and Abanikanda spent all week preparing like they were starters, and when their chance came, they delivered. That’s the mark of a deep roster—guys ready to step up when it matters most.” The running game didn’t just stay afloat; it improved, averaging 128 yards per game during Hall’s absence (up from 112 when he was healthy).

A second critical test in Tests of Team Depth in Season for the New York Jets came on the offensive line, where Becton’s ankle injury in Week 9 forced backup Cedric Ogbuehi into the starting left tackle spot—a position he hadn’t held regularly since 2021. The offensive line is often called the “backbone of the offense,” and losing a starter like Becton (who had allowed just 2 sacks all season) threatened to derail both the running game and quarterback Zach Wilson’s protection. Initially, the line struggled: Ogbuehi allowed 3 sacks in his first two starts, and Wilson was under constant pressure. But the Jets didn’t panic—they adjusted blocking schemes to support Ogbuehi, added extra tight ends to block on pass plays, and leaned on veteran center Connor McGovern to guide the young backup. By Week 15, Ogbuehi had settled into the role, allowing just 1 sack in his next five starts and helping the Jets rush for 142 yards in a critical overtime win over the Los Angeles Rams. “Ogbuehi’s growth says everything about our offensive line depth,” line coach John Benton said. “He didn’t have much game time early, but he studied film, worked with the veterans, and got better every week. That’s what depth is—having guys who can learn on the job and keep the offense moving.” The line’s resilience didn’t just protect Wilson; it kept the running game consistent, ensuring the Jets didn’t lose their most reliable offensive weapon.

Tests of Team Depth in Season for the New York Jets also includes the secondary, which faced a crisis in Week 11 when safety Lamarcus Joyner suffered a hamstring injury, leaving a gap in both deep coverage and box responsibilities. Joyner was a versatile piece of the Jets’ defense, splitting time between safety and nickel corner, so his absence forced the Jets to shuffle their defensive backfield. They turned to nickel corner Michael Carter II, a third-year player who had primarily covered slot receivers, and shifted him to a hybrid safety-nickel role. Carter II, who had allowed just a 58% completion rate in the slot, adapted quickly: he covered tight ends in deep coverage, stepped into the box to stop the run, and recorded 2 interceptions during Joyner’s four-game absence—including a game-sealing pick against the Rams in Week 15. The Jets also called up practice squad safety Jarrick Bernard-Converse to provide depth, and he contributed 12 tackles and a pass breakup in three games. “Our secondary depth was tested, but we didn’t just fill a spot—we found a new strength,” defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said. “Carter II’s versatility let us keep our pass coverage strong, and Bernard-Converse showed he belongs in the NFL. For the New York Jets, this test proved that our secondary isn’t just about our starters—it’s about the entire group working together.” The secondary didn’t just hold opponents to 20 or fewer points three times during Joyner’s absence; it improved its interception total, pushing the Jets to 18 on the season (8th in the NFL).

Another key test in Tests of Team Depth in Season for the New York Jets was the wide receiver corps, which lost Elijah Moore to a knee injury in Week 10—leaving the Jets without their top slot receiver and a reliable third option behind Garrett Wilson and Randall Cobb. Moore had 32 catches for 380 yards before the injury, so his absence forced the Jets to look to undrafted rookie Jason Brownlee and practice squad call-up Xavier Gipson. Brownlee, who had been on the practice squad for the first 10 weeks, quickly became a contributor: he caught 18 passes for 220 yards and 2 touchdowns during Moore’s four-game absence, including a 35-yard punt return that set up a key score in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns. Gipson, a rookie seventh-round pick, added speed to the deep threat, averaging 15.2 yards per catch and drawing two pass interference calls that led to touchdowns. What made their success even more impressive was their chemistry with Wilson—they hadn’t spent much time with the starting quarterback before Moore’s injury, but they quickly built trust through extra practice reps. “Brownlee and Gipson are perfect examples of why we invest in depth,” wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne said. “They showed up every day, worked hard, and when their chance came, they didn’t waste it. For the New York Jets, having receivers like this means we never have to worry about losing a key player—we have guys ready to step in and make plays.” The wide receiver corps didn’t just maintain production; it became more diverse, giving Wilson more options to keep defenses off balance.

Finally, Tests of Team Depth in Season for the New York Jets wraps up with how these tests have strengthened the Jets as a team—and why depth will be critical in their playoff push and future seasons. Every injury, every backup start, and every practice squad call-up taught the Jets a valuable lesson: a team’s success isn’t just about its stars—it’s about the players who are ready to contribute when the spotlight isn’t on them. Head coach Robert Saleh emphasized that depth is a priority for the franchise, not an afterthought: “We build our roster to handle injuries because we know they’re coming. Every guy in this locker room knows they could be called on at any time, so they prepare like starters. That’s the culture we’re building here.” For the Jets, these tests have also boosted team morale—backup players who once felt overlooked now know they’re integral to the team’s success, and starters have gained confidence in their teammates’ ability to support them. As the Jets enter the final week of the season with a playoff spot on the line, their depth will be more important than ever: they’ll need every player, from stars to backups, to bring their best. Tests of Team Depth in Season for the New York Jets ultimately reveals that in the NFL, depth isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. And for the Jets, this season’s tests have proven that their roster is built to compete, no matter who’s on the field.