Ahead of Sunday’s Week 17 clash against the New England Patriots, the New York Jets have made a flurry of roster moves.
The team announced that they signed wide receiver Quentin Skinner, offensive lineman Marquis Hayes, and defensive back/special teamer Tre Brown to the active roster. They also elevated quarterback Hendon Hooker from their practice squad.
Skinner quickly forced his way onto the radar with a strong preseason showing. He delivered at least one explosive gain of 20 yards or more in each of his three appearances, consistently stretching the field. By the end of August, Skinner had turned 11 targets into eight receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown, didn’t register a single drop, and came down with both of his contested opportunities.
However, his efforts weren’t enough to earn a spot on the team’s 53-man roster; he is now expected to make his NFL debut on Sunday against the New England Patriots.
Similar to Skinner, Hayes had a strong preseason. Across 127 blocking snaps, the former Arizona Cardinal earned a 78.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, including a stellar 88.7 run-blocking grade. The Oklahoma product cracked New York’s initial 53-man roster but was released before Week 1 and signed back to the team’s practice squad.
Brown has appeared in three games with the Jets, logging just 10 total snaps, nine of which on special teams. In Week 15 against the Jaguars, he committed a costly block-out-of-bounds penalty that wiped away an Isaiah Williams punt return touchdown.
The headliner here is the team’s decision to elevate Hooker from their practice squad. Jets backup QB Tyrod Taylor was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday while missing Friday’s practice for personal reasons and does not currently hold an injury designation for Sunday’s clash, which makes the decision to elevate Hooker interesting.
The Tennessee product was a third-round pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2023 NFL draft. He was on pace to be a top selection; however, a torn ACL late in the college season significantly fractured his draft stock and forced him to miss the entirety of his rookie season.
Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand was Detroit’s passing-game coordinator when the former Volunteer was selected. Hooker has only appeared in three NFL games, completing six of nine passing attempts for 62 yards.
If Hooker is forced into action before the end of the season, he will be the fourth signal-caller to suit up for the New York Jets this year.