The New York Jets have settled their kicker situation temporarily as Jason Sanders will handle kicking duties for the season opener against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed Friday that although the kicking competition remains open, Sanders will be the starter for now.
Sanders, who originally won the kicking contest in training camp, was released after Blake Grupe was added to the roster. Following Grupe’s signing, Sanders was placed on the practice squad. Glenn explained that Grupe, acquired from the Indianapolis Colts shortly before the roster cutdown deadline, has not had enough time to work extensively with long snapper Thomas Hennessey and punter Austin McNamara. The coach emphasized the need to give Grupe a fair opportunity before making a final decision.
“He’s had most of the reps,” Glenn said of Sanders. “The thing is, Grupe, I want to make sure that he gets a solid chance. He just got here last week... I want to give him the proper chance for the competition, so I want to let this thing play out.”
Sanders and Grupe’s preseason performances were both underwhelming. Sanders missed two kicks in the final preseason game but was initially named the starter due to his experience, including seven seasons with the Miami Dolphins and familiarity with kicking within the division. After missing the entire previous season with a hip injury, Sanders was signed by the Jets following a brief offseason stint with the New York Giants. His last healthy season was in 2024, when he converted 37 of 41 field goal attempts and missed two of 28 extra points.
Injury-wise, the Jets will be without defensive end Joseph Ossai (foot) and wide receiver Tim Patrick (groin) for the opener. Running back Kene Nwangwu is doubtful after experiencing back tightness in practice, while cornerback D’Angelo Ponds (calf) is also listed as doubtful. Several other key players, including running back Breece Hall, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, and running back Isaiah Davis, are available despite minor injuries. The Titans will be missing linebacker Cedric Gray, who remains in concussion protocol after leading the team with 164 tackles last season.
Before addressing the game, Glenn reflected on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, recalling his experience as a Jets player in his final season at that time. “It makes you proud as Americans on how we pulled together as a country and we overcame,” Glenn said. He lauded the courage of those who risked their lives in the aftermath of the attacks.
Jets defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, among five players who visited the 9/11 memorial with team ownership this week, described the visit as deeply emotional. “Hearing from the family members who lost parents and loved ones on the day of 9/11 was tough,” Phillips said. “I got choked up a couple times but also felt really empowered. It was the largest connectedness of patriotism that I’ve felt in my lifetime.”