Jets' Rookie Edge Rusher Sidelined for Friday's Practice

First-rounder suffered minor injury during Thursday's session

Author:
Ralph Ventre
Publish date:
Jul 21, 2023 5:59 PM EDT

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The New York Jets' 2023 first-round draft pick spent the team's second training camp practice on the sidelines.

Edge rusher Will McDonald IV, who agreed to his rookie contract right before report day, was a non-participant for the non-padded session on Friday in Florham Park. He was spotted with a sleeve covering his right leg.

Head coach Robert Saleh provided an update on the Iowa State product from the podium following Practice No. 2.

"He has a contusion that was pretty good yesterday, but we expect him back soon," said the third-year head coach.

Saleh has previously stated the intention to work McDonald into the defensive end rotation.

"He’s got a long way to go, but you guys know as we rotate, if they dress on gameday, they’re going to play at least 20 [snaps]. He’ll be part of the rotation," said Saleh during the final week of OTAs.

McDonald, the No. 15 overall selection this past April, finished his Iowa State career tied for the Big 12 Conference's all-time lead in sacks (34.0). He forced 10 fumbles and logged 42.0 TFL in 54 career appearances for the Cyclones. The three-time all-conference first teamer recorded at least 5.0 sacks in each of his last four college seasons.

The 24-year-old rookie popped during OTAs, drawing compliments from Saleh as well as Sports Illustrated national writer Albert Breer.

"Will looks the part. I love his personality. He is a dude, man. He’s got tremendous length, his bend, just going through drills," said Saleh.

In Florham Park for an interview with Saleh on June 9, Breer tweeted about McDonald's win in a get-off drill and offered some additional insight into the rookie's current status.

"... over the last month, the first-rounder has earned his teammates' respect. They see freakish ability there. McDonald's still a bit skinny. But he's got a shot to be real good," said Breer in a three-tweet thread.