The New York Jets could see the return of two key offensive players as they prepare to face the Miami Dolphins this Sunday. Wide receiver Adonai Mitchell and offensive guard Dylan Parham both participated in limited practice Wednesday, signaling potential availability after missing multiple games due to injuries.
Mitchell, the team’s primary deep threat, has been sidelined with a finger injury sustained during practice four weeks ago. Initially, the Jets had hoped Mitchell could play through the injury, but a minor procedure became necessary. Before his absence, Mitchell had recorded nine receptions for 123 yards in the first two games of the season. If Mitchell returns against the Dolphins, it would mark the first time the Jets have their full group of receivers on the field this season.
“We know how important AD is to this offense. He’s a big key to our offense,” quarterback Geno Smith said. “With all the playmakers that we have, when you have a guy like AD out there, he can stretch the field, he can be a possession guy.”
Parham has missed the last three games with a knee injury. In his absence, Jordan Meredith has filled the starting guard role. Jets defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn indicated both players are gradually reintegrating into practices. “They’re starting to work themselves back in,” Glenn said.
Glenn also commented on his long-standing professional relationship with Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley, dating back over a decade to when Hafley was the defensive backs coach for the Cleveland Browns and Glenn was his assistant. “I learned quite a bit on how he operates when it comes to running a meeting, how he operates when it comes to installing, so learned a lot when it comes to that, and we stayed close throughout these years in this coaching profession,” Glenn stated. “He’s going to do a good job with those guys. Obviously, when they play us, I don’t want him to do a good job, but I know how he’s built, I know he’s going to get those guys [going]. You can see it on tape — they play tough, they play hard, they play physical.”
Notably absent from practice Wednesday was starting running back Breece Hall, who continues to deal with a quadriceps injury. Glenn did not rule out the possibility of Hall returning to practice later in the week. Running back and kick returner Kene Nwangwu, sidelined with a knee injury, also missed practice. Linebacker Kiko Mauigoa (quad) and edge rusher Joseph Ossai (ankle) are listed as week-to-week, while edge Will McDonald IV (toe) and defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat (elbow) participated in limited drills and are expected to be available for Sunday’s game.