Jets Add Starting Kicker, Backup Quarterback to Roster ahead of Sunday's Game vs. Cowboys
The New York Jets made two important personnel moves on Saturday, addressing the starting kicker and backup quarterback positions ahead of their Week 2 battle against the Dallas Cowboys.
After sustaining a groin injury during Thursday's practice session, veteran kicker Greg Zuerlein will not be available for Sunday's road game at AT&T Stadium.
The Jets were holding out hope that the 35-year old Zuerlein, who was officially listed as questionable, would be able to give it a go but that won't be the case. As a result, Gang Green quickly pivoted and brought kicker Austin Seibert into the fold.
Seibert, who initially entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2019, signed to the Jets' Practice Squad and was subsequently elevated to the active roster for Sunday.
"We're 50-50 [on whether he will play], working out kickers today," said Jets' third-year head coach Robert Saleh on Friday. "It's not serious, but serious enough to bring this game in question."
The Jets worked out four kickers in Florham Park and Seibert is the apparent survivor. Seibert has served stints with the Browns, the Cincinnati Bengals and, most recently, the Detroit Lions. The 26-year-old has 30 career NFL appearances to his credit. He has made 44 of 55 field goals attempts (80.0 pct) with a long of 53 yards.
After going 30-of-37 last year, Zuerlein made all three of his three-point attempts in the Week 1 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills.
With Aaron Rodgers going to Injured Reserve following his Achilles rupture in the Monday Night Football season opener, the Green & White were left with only one quarterback, Zach Wilson, on the 53-man roster. As a result, the Jets inked Tim Boyle to the active roster.
Boyle, who is with his fourth NFL team, signed a free-agent deal in the offseason and spent the entire duration of training camp with Gang Green. He was a final cut on August 29 and subsequently joined the Practice Squad. The Connecticut native has played in 17 NFL games, totaling three starts.
In addition to Seibert, the Jets have tabbed linebacker Sam Eguavoen as a gameday elevation from the Practice Squad for Week 2. To make room for Boyle on the active roster, the team released depth receiver Irvin Charles.
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