Jeremy Ruckert is in his fourth year in the league — all with the Jets — and he’s headed toward free agency after the season.
The tight end’s focus isn’t on his future as much as it is on that of the Jets, even if he’s unsure he will be around the team next year.
He has been impressed with Aaron Glenn’s consistency in his messaging in his first year as a head coach.
“These last couple games of the season, it’s not about me or what I do personally,” Ruckert said. “It’s about continuing the culture [Glenn] is trying to set and how he wants us to play.”
And the Long Island native, who drew praise this week from offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, knows how they finish the season matters.
Jeremy Ruckert is pictured during the Jets’ Nov. 19 practice. Bill Kostroun for the NY Post
“We want to play like how we’ve been trending lately so we go into the offseason with some momentum,” Ruckert said. “What’s unique about [Glenn] is that he played here and he understands what it takes. His message hasn’t changed since the day he got here.”
That consistency has stood out to Ruckert.
“We didn’t start off the way we wanted to, results-wise, but he hasn’t wavered in his message to us,” Ruckert said. “He stuck to it because he doesn’t want to be the guy that switches things up when things don’t go well. We stick with the brand we play with, try to keep winning these games and take that into the future.”
Jeremy Ruckert tries to break a tackle during the Jets’ Nov. 13 game against the Patriots. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Ruckert has been solid again, with 16 receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown through 12 games, while improving in his run blocking.
“I love the system we’re in now,” Ruckert said. “It fits me well, and I’m proud they trust me to have the role I do.”
Adonai Mitchell is looking to build on his career-best game a week ago against the Falcons, when he caught eight passes for 102 yards and a TD.
“I’m still trying to get more comfortable,” said Mitchell, who arrived from the Colts in the trade that sent Sauce Gardner to Indianapolis just over a month ago. “I don’t know how, but I want to be as comfortable as I can, and it’s not that easy at the end of the year.”
Garrett Wilson, out since mid-November with a right knee sprain, is eligible to come off injured reserve next week, when the Jets face the Jaguars.
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Glenn declined to speculate Friday whether the wide receiver, who’s been limited to just seven games this season, would be activated for what will be a meaningless game in the standings for the Jets.
“We’ll see,” Glenn said. “We’ll let that time come and answer that question.”