Jets Receiver Adonai Mitchell Ready to Return After Undisclosed Finger Injury
Mitchell claims amnesia regarding the specifics of his injury, but practiced fully and is cleared to play Sunday.
New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell is set to return to action Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, his first game back after a four-week absence due to a finger injury. Mitchell, who addressed the media Friday for the first time since sustaining the injury in late September, stated he could not recall the specifics of how he injured his finger.
"I really can’t even think back that far," Mitchell said. "I’ve been so focused on what I want to do, which is to be back out there with the guys. That really slipped my mind."
When asked if he was surprised by the length of his absence, he responded, "To be honest with you, I really can’t tell you. I’ve just been so locked in and so ready to get back and help the team. That’s all I’ve been thinking about."
Mitchell practiced fully on Friday and reported no issues with his finger when catching passes. "I feel great, man. I got 10 of them things. I’m just ready to ball with the guys," he said.
Head coach Aaron Glenn had initially described the injury as day-to-day, stating Mitchell caught his finger in a teammate's jersey. The team later confirmed Mitchell underwent a minor procedure. His return marks the first time since the opening drive of Week 1 that the Jets will have their full complement of pass catchers available.
Rookie receiver Omar Cooper Jr. also returned last Sunday after an ankle injury, catching six passes for 103 yards and a touchdown in the Jets' loss to the Patriots.
The Jets' offense has struggled in recent weeks, scoring only four touchdowns in their last three games and averaging 18.7 points per game, the sixth-lowest mark in the league. In the first two weeks of the season with a healthy Mitchell, the team scored a combined 40 points. Mitchell, considered the Jets' primary deep threat, recorded nine receptions for 123 yards in those games.
"I can’t even put into words how excited I am," Mitchell said. "I think we have all the pieces that we need, and I just can’t wait."
Quarterback Geno Smith expressed optimism about Mitchell's return. "With all the playmakers that we have, when you have a guy like AD out there, he can stretch the field, he can be a possession guy, and I think him, Garrett [Wilson], Coop, they just present a lot of different challenges for the defense. And so the more guys, the merrier."
The 2-4 Jets face the Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, followed by home games against the Browns and Raiders. Mitchell is eager to contribute to the team's efforts to improve its record.
"I’m feeling great," he said. "I just want to help the team, contribute to some W’s. That’s all I’ve been thinking about."