The New York Jets have settled their kicking situation for Week 1, naming Jason Sanders the starting placekicker for Sunday's season opener against the Tennessee Titans. Head coach Aaron Glenn announced the decision Friday, emphasizing that the competition for the role is still active.
Sanders, who initially won the kicking competition in training camp, was released when Blake Grupe was claimed. He was later signed to the practice squad and will now handle kicking duties for the first game.
Glenn stated his intention to give Grupe, recently added to the roster after being released by the Colts, more opportunities to work with long snapper Thomas Hennessey and punter Austin McNamara. "The thing is, Grupe, I want to make sure that he gets a solid chance," Glenn said. "He just got here last week. ... So I want to make sure that I give him the proper chance for the competition, so I want to let this thing play out."
This means the kicking competition, which saw both Sanders and Cade York struggle during the preseason, will extend beyond the first week. Special teams coordinator Chris Banjo cited Sanders' seven seasons of experience with the Dolphins as a factor in his initial selection. Sanders missed the entire 2023 season due to a hip injury. He was signed by the Giants in March and released in June before joining the Jets.
During his last healthy season in 2024, Sanders converted 37 of 41 field goal attempts and missed two of his 28 extra-point attempts. Banjo described Sanders as "a true professional" for his consistent approach during the competition. "He hasn’t blinked at all since our last preseason game, and he just comes to work and continues to perform."
In other injury news, Glenn ruled out EDGE Joseph Ossai (foot) and WR Tim Patrick (groin) for Sunday's game. RB Kene Nwangwu is doubtful due to a back issue, along with CB D’Angelo Ponds (calf).