The New York Jets have lost one of their most exciting young offensive players just one week into the 2026 NFL season.
Rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is being placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury, meaning the first-round pick will miss at least four games.
The Jets are hoping Cooper can return shortly after becoming eligible, but his absence is still a tough blow for a team trying to start the season 2-0.
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Cooper made immediate impact in NFL debut
NFL: New York Jets at Tennessee Titans
Sep 13, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Omar Cooper J.r (11) runs with the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Cooper wasted little time showing Jets fans what he could bring to the offense. The 30th overall pick caught his only target for a 30-yard gain during New York’s season-opening 23-10 victory over Tennessee. Unfortunately, he suffered the ankle injury on that play and played only five offensive snaps.
The injury was initially described as week-to-week, but Cooper did not practice at all during Week 2 preparations. The Jets officially listed him as out against Green Bay before deciding to place him on IR.
Cooper had an impressive final college season at Indiana, recording 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns while helping the Hoosiers win the national championship.
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Jets will need Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell even more
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) warms up during an NFL Week 10 game between the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.
Cooper’s absence leaves New York with fewer wide receiver options heading into Sunday’s matchup with Green Bay. Garrett Wilson remains the centerpiece of the passing game after catching six passes for 79 yards in Week 1, while Adonai Mitchell also made an impact with three catches for 60 yards.
Isaiah Williams is expected to see more work in the slot after playing 60% of the offensive snaps against Tennessee. The Jets could also utilize first-round tight end Kenyon Sadiq more heavily after he contributed three catches and a rushing touchdown in Week 1.
Cooper is eligible to return in Week 6 against New England, so this appears to be a short-term absence rather than a season-ending injury. Still, losing a first-round rookie after just five offensive snaps is an unfortunate setback for the Jets.
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