Jelani Woods is mounting a surprising bid for a roster spot with the New York Jets, aiming to overcome a history of injuries that have hampered his NFL career. Woods, who began training camp as an underdog, has impressed with his performance, including scoring the Jets' only touchdown in a recent preseason game.
“It’s been pretty exciting just to get back on the field, honestly,” Woods said. “I’d never complain about being on the field, every day getting a new opportunity to take the next step forward, to get better. And I feel like I’m doing that, and I just want to keep it up.”
NFL teams typically do not carry four tight ends, and with Kenyon Sadiq, Mason Taylor, and Jeremy Ruckert ahead of him on the depth chart, Woods faced an uphill battle. His recent injury history made him an even longer shot to make the team.
Woods was a third-round draft pick in 2022 after strong athletic testing but has appeared in only four games over the past three seasons. A year-long hamstring strain and subsequent turf toe injury contributed to his struggles. He spent time on practice squads and dealt with setbacks before landing with the Jets.
His arrival in New York reunites him with offensive coordinator Frank Reich, who was the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts when Woods recorded 25 receptions for 312 yards and three touchdowns during his rookie season. Reich has shown confidence in Woods, who repaid that faith during the preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“You never know whether the ball’s going to come to you or not. But just make the play when they do, when your number’s called,” Woods stated. “It gives you a lot of confidence. You want to be on the field, and just doing my part to be on the field, putting my best foot forward. Whatever they ask me to do, I’m gonna do. Don’t give [them] a reason not to, that’s my motto, how I’ve been going about this."
Woods capped an opening drive against Pittsburgh by catching a 13-yard touchdown pass from Geno Smith. This was his first touchdown since October 16, 2022, marking 1,406 days since his last score.
“Yeah, it was good to see,” said Jets coach Aaron Glenn. “And somebody that’s dealt with a ton of injuries, someone that he just fights all the time. He’s a guy that plays special teams for us, and we have him go out there and do the dirty work. For him to get that touchdown, that was good to see.”
Woods acknowledged the significance of the moment. “Definitely talking to family, friends, everybody’s excited to see me back on the field and playing,” he said. “So, it was definitely special for my family. It was a big deal.”
With starting tight end Sadiq sidelined due to a hernia surgery setback, Woods has been utilizing the opportunity. According to Pro Football Focus, he has posted pass-blocking grades of 70.2 and 67.4 through two preseason games. His size, standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 253 pounds with an 83-inch wingspan, combined with his established rapport with Reich, are factors contributing to his potential roster inclusion.
“He’s always going to put us in the best situations, and he’s a great play-caller,” Woods said of Reich. “So, definitely it mesmerizes you when you see the success and you see the brilliance that he has.”
A strong showing in the upcoming preseason finale against the New York Giants could further solidify Woods' position on the final 53-man roster.