Sterling Shepard Signs With Jets Practice Squad After Chance Call
The former Giants receiver is eager to get back on the field for his new team.
Sterling Shepard received an unexpected call from the Jets on Monday, offering him an opportunity to join their practice squad after a teammate's injury. Shepard was picking up his children from school in Florida when the team reached out following an ankle sprain suffered by rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. during the Jets' recent victory over the Titans.
"They said, ‘Can you hop on a flight in a few hours?’ Shepard said. “I was like, ‘I’m there, I’m there.’ So yeah, it’s been a quick turnaround.”
Shepard worked out for the Jets on Tuesday and was subsequently signed to the practice squad. He is now focused on learning the team's playbook and getting back into game shape. Shepard spent eight seasons with the New York Giants and the past two with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before this latest opportunity.
"I actually just sold my house last month here in Jersey, so I was like, ‘What are the chances?’ " Shepard commented, noting his return to the New Jersey area.
The Jets may require Shepard's immediate contribution, potentially for their upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers. Prior to signing with the Jets, Shepard had a brief five-day stint with the Houston Texans during training camp but has otherwise been training independently.
"I’ve just got to get caught up,” Shepard stated. “I’ve got to get my body back in pads shape. It’s kind of hard to simulate, going against another guy. I’ve been running routes on air by myself for the past year. It’s been a while. It’s just great to have somebody in front of me now.”
Shepard also has a pre-existing connection with Jets quarterback Geno Smith, having played together with the Giants. They also live near each other in Florida and have trained together.
In other team news, Jets coach Aaron Glenn provided an update on injuries. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (groin) and Cooper (ankle) are both considered week-to-week and will miss the upcoming game. Running back Kene Nwangwu (back) and edge rusher Joseph Ossai (foot) are also week-to-week and did not participate in Wednesday's practice. Defensive lineman David Onyemata was given a veteran rest day, while rookie cornerback D’Angelo Ponds (calf) and linebacker Jamien Sherwood (knee) were limited in practice.
Glenn also acknowledged the performance of rookie edge rusher David Bailey in his debut against the Titans, where Bailey recorded six pressures and a sack. "I thought he did some good things,” Glenn said. “There are definitely some things that he has to improve on, and that’s going to be every player. He’s a rookie and he’s still learning. I thought he’s shown flashes of him being able to get off the ball and get after the quarterback. Then being able to set an edge and do all the things that we ask those edge guys to do. He’s only going to get better. He’s only going to get better. So, I was happy with what he did.”