The New York Jets are approaching their season opener on Sunday without a designated starting kicker, extending a competition that has added a new contender in Blake Grupe. Special teams coordinator Chris Banjo stated the team is seeking "confidence and consistency" from Grupe and incumbent Jason Sanders.
Grupe, 27, was claimed by the Jets after a strong preseason with the Indianapolis Colts, where he was later released. Sanders, who previously won the Jets' job over Cade York, was released and subsequently signed to the practice squad, reigniting the competition.
"He’s been a true professional," Banjo said of Sanders, who missed two kicks in the preseason finale against the Giants. "Again, we ask these guys to come to work, put their head down, and just go to work and compete and he’s continued to do that."
Head coach Aaron Glenn and the coaching staff will likely reveal their decision when practice squad elevations are announced on Saturday. If Sanders is elevated, he is expected to handle kicking duties. If not, Grupe, who made 29 of 37 field goal attempts across 16 games with the New Orleans Saints and Colts last year, would likely start the season. This ongoing uncertainty at a position that has historically been a challenge for the Jets, outside of the stability provided by Nick Folk in his second stint with the team, remains a significant question.
In other team news, EDGE Joseph Ossai (foot) and WR Tim Patrick (groin) were the only Jets who did not practice on Thursday. CB D’Angelo Ponds (calf) was a limited participant, while RB Isaiah Davis (knee), RB Breece Hall (groin), and TE Kenyon Sadiq (groin) were full participants. Titans linebacker Cedric Gray did not practice for a second consecutive day as he remains in concussion protocol after a weekend accident. Defensive coordinator Brian Duker noted the Jets have reviewed film of the Giants to prepare for a Brian Daboll-led offense, as Daboll begins his first season as head coach in Tennessee.