The Jets Face Detroit Short a Tight End, Short on Receivers, Still Looking for an Interception

Aaron Glenn knows exactly what's coming Sunday. He was Detroit's defensive coordinator from 2021 to 2024, and he called the Lions one of the most explosive offenses the Jets will see all year, with Jared Goff one of the most accurate quarterbacks he's ever been around.

His defense hasn't picked off a pass in an NFL-record 19 straight games. It did hold Jordan Love to 145 yards last week, but it'll be without safety Minkah Fitzpatrick again because of a groin injury. There's some help coming: edge rusher Joseph Ossai and rookie cornerback D'Angelo Ponds practiced fully and could debut.

Thin on offense

Mason Taylor is out with the thumb injury he suffered in Green Bay and is week to week, though Glenn said it won't be long. His numbers are tiny, two catches for minus-2 yards, but he's played more snaps than any of the Jets' five tight ends. First-round pick Kenyon Sadiq, with five catches, 38 yards and a rushing touchdown, gets the bigger role.

Receiver is worse. Three are on injured reserve, and Adonai Mitchell is questionable after catching a finger in a jersey Thursday; he practiced with his right hand heavily wrapped, and Glenn doesn't think it's broken. If Mitchell can't go, Garrett Wilson and Isaiah Williams are the only healthy receivers who've played in the NFL. Sterling Shepard or Tyler Johnson will come up from the practice squad.