The New York Jets added some much-needed insurance on defense ahead of the Week 4 Miami Dolphins game.
Gang Green announced on social media that they have elevated linebacker Mykal Walker and rookie undrafted free agent safety Dean Clark to the roster from the practice squad.
Walker Is Set to Make His Jets Debut in 2025
Right before the start of the 2025 season, the Jets signed veteran linebacker Mykal Walker to the practice squad.
“He played in 74 games from 2020-24 with Atlanta (2020-22), Pittsburgh (2023), and Washington (2024) while registering 241 tackles, 7 TFL, and 3 FR. Walker, 28, who most recently was with the Arizona Cardinals in training camp, appeared in 17 games last season for the Commanders and logged 344 special teams plays in addition to 77 defensive snaps. He had 21 tackles and 2 FR,” the Jets posted in a press release.
This is his first time being elevated from the Jets‘ practice squad this season. This week, the Jets placed two of their top three linebackers on injured reserve.
For the next four games, the Jets will be without the services of Quincy Williams and Marcelino McCrary Ball.
Jets Will Be Relying on Some Unknown Names in the Middle of Their Defense
“Well, Kiko [Francisco Mauigoa] is a guy we drafted, as you guys know. He has been doing a really good job for us, especially on the special teams side. He has to grow up quick, and he has been growing up quick for us, and he has been playing a good amount of ball for us on the defensive side as our SAM backer. So he is going to come in and get a chance to play,” Coach Glenn explained.
“I have talked before about Cam [Jones], you know, the guy we picked up before. He was going to help us at some point, and it just so happens [that] with these two injuries, he is going to be able to help us, so listen, we are not going to lose those guys when it comes to special teams but their roles are going to actually expand when it comes to playing on defense,” Glenn added.
Malachi Moore Will Continue to Have a Role for the Jets
One of the Jets‘ starting safeties at the beginning of the season was Tony Adams. In Week 3, Adams was unavailable, which opened the door for rookie Malachi Moore to get his first start.
Heading into Week 4, Adams is healthy, which now leaves a big question for the Jets‘ coaching staff: who do they go with?
Glenn didn’t reveal that answer, but he did emphatically say that Moore has had a role on this team and will continue to moving forward.
“Well, he has always had a role. We make sure that we understand the role that he has. It’s not for me to tell you guys, but he always has a role,” Coach Glenn told the media this week.
For some added insurance, the Jets brought back up undrafted free agent rookie Dean Clark. He impressed in the preseason, and now the Jets can have him as a backup plan.
Jets Sign Well Traveled LB to Active Roster Ahead of Dolphins Game