Injury news from Week 1 left the Jets with only four healthy wide receivers on the depth chart after Omar Cooper Jr. sustained an ankle injury. To address the vacancy, the organization brought in additional pass-catching options, including a familiar face with championship pedigree. The latest roster move saw the team reuniting with a former Buccaneers wideout who previously spent part of the 2025 season with New York.
The Jets signed Tyler Johnson to the practice squad. Johnson, a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, broke into the pros as a secondary receiver with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played a key role as a rookie on the squad that secured the Super Bowl LV title and followed up with a 36-catch, 360-yard, two-season stint that highlighted his big-play ability early in his career.
Johnson’s journey since leaving Tampa Bay has included stints with several NFL clubs, including the Houston Texans and the Los Angeles Rams, with the Jets also featuring him in 2025. In the 2024 season, he appeared in 12 games, registering 12 receptions for 197 yards and a touchdown, demonstrating enough playmaking ability to remind teams of his potential when given opportunities.
Over the summer, Johnson explored opportunities with multiple teams, including a period with the Dallas Cowboys. He ultimately did not secure a spot on Dallas’s active roster, which opened the door for a reunion in New York. Cooper’s expected absence for the near term further incentivized the Jets to bring back Johnson, this time on the practice squad, along with Sterling Shepard, another former Buccaneers receiver who joined the organization recently.
The Jets’ decision to sign Johnson to the practice squad is a low-risk move with potential upside. The arrangement leverages Johnson’s familiarity with the Jets’ system and his prior experience within the organization’s offense, which can shorten the learning curve if called upon to contribute. While quarterback Geno Smith now leads the team, the passing game has already shown the ability to move the ball effectively, even amid injuries and adjustments at the receiver position.
If Cooper’s timeline for a return remains extended, the Jets could elevate a practice squad receiver to the active roster for a Week 2 matchup. Johnson’s performance during practice will determine whether he earns a late-season debut or more immediate workload should an opportunity arise. While not guaranteed to be active right away, Johnson provides the Jets with a seasoned veteran who can step in and contribute if needed.
Looking ahead, the Jets will face a challenging test in Week 2, taking on the Green Bay Packers. The squad will rely on its developing chemistry, depth at the wide receiver position, and the leadership of the coaching staff to navigate potential absences and keep the offense moving. The plan appears to emphasize depth and versatility at wide receiver, ensuring the team has viable options beyond the starting lineup.
In summary, the Jets responded to Week 1 injuries by reinforcing their pass-catching corps with a familiar veteran, Tyler Johnson, added to the practice squad. This move aims to provide insurance at receiver while Cooper recovers, with the possibility of Johnson earning a role on the active roster if he impresses during practice and earns his opportunity. As the season progresses, Johnson’s adaptation to the current Jets offense and his performance in practice will be watched closely, as will the overall effectiveness of the receiver group amid a demanding schedule.
