Jets' Allen Lazard One of Two High-Paid Receivers Scratched for Thursday Night

Browns' WR1 Amari Cooper also on gameday inactives' list for primetime affair

Author:
Ralph Ventre
Updated:
Dec 28, 2023 7:15 PM EST
Original:
Dec 28, 2023

In this story:

New York Jets

Cleveland Browns

It's another disappointing development in what's been a disappointing season for New York Jets' receiver Allen Lazard.

The veteran pass-catcher, who won't dress for the December 28 primetime matchup in Cleveland, is a gameday inactive for the second time this season. This time, it's due to an illness that forced Lazard onto Wednesday's injury report. The 6-foot-5 Lazard, who signed a four-year deal reportedly worth $44 million as a free agent last March, was temporarily benched for the NFL Black Friday Game against Miami on November 24.

Meanwhile, in a positive development for the Jets, Cleveland will be without its top receiver on Thursday night. After posting a 265-yard receiving performance against Houston on Sunday, Amari Cooper is inactive due to a heel injury.

As expected quarterbacks Zach Wilson (concussion) and Aaron Rodgers (Achilles muscle) along with second-year tight end Jeremy Ruckert (concussion) are all inactive for the Jets. Reserve offensive tackle Austin Deculus, veteran defensive end Carl Lawson and backup cornerback Bryce Hall are all presumably healthy scratches.

Lawson made his first appearance in more than one month as the Jets topped Washington, 30-28, in Week 16. He was credited with one tackle. In the final season of a three-year contract reportedly worth $45 million, Lawson has five tackles over a six-game span.

In addition to Lawson, Lazard has not met external expectations in 2023. Through 14 games, he has made 23 catches for 311 yards and one touchdown.

The Jets (6-9) and the Browns (10-5) kick off at 8:15 pm ET on December 28 in a Prime Video TNF exclusive. The game will be available for viewing over the air in the New York media market via FOX.