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The New York Jets rookie class has been the talk of training camp so far, although one notable piece has been missing in action — tight end Jeremy Ruckert.
The Ohio State product made a great impression with NYJ faithful right from the get-go, as a Long Island native and lifelong Jets fan. On draft night, his family even started the unmistakable “J-E-T-S” chant.
Unfortunately, Ruckert has yet to take the field after a foot injury at the Senior Bowl back in February. The Jets were aware of this ailment when they selected the tight end but fans are still itching to see the local success story and hopeful TE of the future catch his first pass from Zach Wilson.
I’m pleased to announce, that day may finally be within reach.
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Ruckert Activated From NFI List
The Jets have an off day on August 4, but Ruckert should resume football activities when they return on Friday the 5th. After head coach Robert Saleh hinted that he might be close on August 3, the organization did reveal that both the rookie and veteran running back Tevin Coleman have officially been placed on the active roster.
“I don’t want to jinx it,” Saleh began, “we’re hoping that he clears everything today to start football activity. No promises but that’s kind of the direction he’s headed.”
That doesn’t mean Ruckert will hop right into the offense next to Wilson and the first-team offensive line. Saleh generally likes to give his players a few days to ramp back up before thrusting them into team drills — one — and the rookie also has a lot to learn, stuck behind veterans C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin on the depth chart.
Having said that, this is the first necessary step in getting another promising prospect back into the swing of things.
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So Far So Good
The greatest issue for the Jets in recent years has been the injury bug. Sure, the talent wasn’t always there but when you lose half of your starting lineup, most teams cannot survive that.
It’s very early and we are knocking on wood, but Coach Saleh’s efforts to keep his men healthy have yielded positive results so far in 2022.
After the return of George Fant in recent days, plus Ruckert and Coleman now, this Jets roster is pretty much at full strength.
Veteran kicker Greg Zuerlein did miss practice yesterday but there are no major issues to report, aside from a couple of nagging injuries. Of course, there’s still a long way to go. Joint practices and preseason will be the real test on the injury front.
On the bright side, the Jets have built better organizational depth than in years past. With the addition of Kwon Alexander at linebacker, the only positions with major concerns on the second level are offensive tackle, and potentially defensive tackle — although there’s better competition behind Quinnen Williams and Sheldon Rankins than Mekhi Becton and Fant.
For once, Gang Green feels very sturdy heading toward a regular season. An unusual feeling to some, and a credit to the big man calling the shots — Mr. Joe Douglas.
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