Latest news with #GangGreen
New York Post
14 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Justin Fields showing no ill affects from his dislocated toe
Thursday, Justin Fields was carted off the practice field. Immediately, panic swept through the tormented Jets fan base, worried their starting quarterback was lost on the second day of training camp. Initially, he was concerned, too. His phone blew up. But, tests revealed it was only a dislocated toe on his right foot. 'God was looking out that day,' Fields said Tuesday, in his first comments since what turned out to be a minor injury. For the next few weeks, Fields will wear a protective plastic shield on the outside of his cleats to protect the toe. It didn't seem to hinder him in practice. He used his legs on a few occasions, as he practiced fully. The toe, Fields said, is 'working its way back to 100 percent.' Fields missed only one practice, important considering he is on a new team with a new coaching staff. Justin Fields throws a pass during the Jets' training camp practice on July 29, 2025. Bill Kostroun / New York Post 'This is the time when you get those reps,' Fields said. 'You get those new installation plays in, so I think this time is very valuable in terms of getting repetitions, getting on the same page with your guys, especially when you're learning new concepts and stuff like that. 'So, definitely, I didn't want to miss much time, and that's why I was so eager to get back on the field and wanting to keep going.' The Jets are bringing back a familiar face. The team signed veteran kicker Nick Folk on Tuesday to solidify a position that has looked shaky early in training camp. Nick Folk, who kicked for the Jets from 2010-2016, was signed again by the team on July 29, 2025. AP Folk, 40, kicked for the Jets between 2010-16, making some huge kicks for the team — none bigger than a 32-yard game winner in their 2010 AFC wild-card playoff victory over the Colts. Chuck Vine, Folk's longtime friend and adviser, gave The Post this statement from Folk: 'It means a lot to be back with the Jets. This place shaped my career and holds a lot of great memories. But I'm not here to reminisce. I'm here to compete, lead and do my job at the highest level.' 'He is a very established kicker in this league,' head coach Aaron Glenn said. 'When you go back and you look at his stats from the last couple of years, they've been above board. … I'm happy that he chose us to be a part of what we're trying to do. Get the insider's view on Gang Green Sign up for Inside the Jets by Brian Costello, a weekly Sports+ exclusive. Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters The Jets began training camp with rookies Caden Davis and Harrison Mevis on the roster. Both have been unimpressive in camp. The team waived Davis on Tuesday to make room for Folk, who only missed one field goal attempt in each of the past two seasons for Tennessee. He went 21-for-22 last year and 29-for-30 in 2023 with the Titans. Mike Westhoff, a special teams coaching guru who spent 2001-12 with the Jets, attended practice.
New York Post
15 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Jets' Will McDonald IV hungry for more after breakout 2024 season
Will McDonald IV's breakout 2024 season with the Jets didn't leave him satisfied or content. It actually instilled a hunger — literally — for him to get better. A big part of that was his food intake. McDonald dedicated his offseason to putting on weight. The first-round pick added 15 pounds in an effort to add versatility to his speed-centric game. 'About six meals a day,' the on-the-rise defensive end said after practice Tuesday. 'Eating the right foods, all of that. I was able to gain a couple of pounds from doing that. Now I'm out here ballin'. That's what I'm going to keep doing.' In his second year in the league, McDonald, 26, led the Jets with 10.5 sacks, mostly the result of his elite athleticism on the edge. But thanks to that newfound strength, McDonald now has a power component he previously lacked. It's like a pitcher with a big fastball who can't locate his off-speed pitches. Eventually, hitters will catch up to the heater. Now, McDonald believes he doesn't have to just rely on running — or his forte, spinning — past offensive linemen. If they play him for his patented speed rush, he has another move in his back pocket. Will McDonald IV talks with reporters during Jets training camp on July 29, 2025. Bill Kostroun / New York Post 'It was already added, I just never really utilized it as well as I should,' the 6-foot-4, 245-pound McDonald said. 'I had to change my approach with everything. Obviously everybody knows that I like to [use my] speed, my spin, all of that. But once I get tackles on their heels, I'm able to use that power and strength.' He added: 'One thing that I was missing last year was my consistency. If you're not changing your game, you're not being consistent with what you're doing.' After proving himself in 2024, McDonald will be counted on as a linchpin to a defense that fell off a cliff. The unit was 19th in points allowed (23.8) and forced just 17 turnovers — only six teams forced fewer. Will McDonald IV pressures Geno Smith during the Jets' loss to the Seahawks on Dec. 1, 2024. Bill Kostroun / New York Post There is hope the group can bounce back, particularly if McDonald further emerges as a force. New coach Aaron Glenn has raved about his work ethic, describing him as someone who 'wants to be coached hard' and is 'a damn good player, and I expect big things out of him.' McDonald, in turn, said he feels comfortable with the new boss. 'Real down to earth, man,' McDonald said. 'He treats me like his own son. Can't say too much, but I know he's got my back.' There is potential for the Jets to have a stout front four. Along with star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, fellow first-round pick and defensive end Jermaine Johnson, who was lost to a torn right Achilles tendon in Week 2, is expected to be ready for Week 1 against the Steelers. Get the insider's view on Gang Green Sign up for Inside the Jets by Brian Costello, a weekly Sports+ exclusive. Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters In 2023, Johnson was a Pro Bowl performer, producing 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. McDonald envisions the two terrorizing opposing quarterbacks. 'Me and Jermaine are going to be ballers this season, that's all I've got to tell you,' McDonald said. 'Me and him are going to ball out, we're going to do our thing. I trust him, he trusts me. 'Once we get on the field, we trust each other enough to get the job done.'
New York Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Breece Hall ready for ‘last chance' at true Jets breakout — and a big payday
Breece Hall looks at his own résumé and is not happy with what he sees. Two of his Jets teammates in his draft class — Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson — signed large contract extensions this offseason. Yet Hall is set to be an unrestricted free agent after the season. But he does not yet believe he's done enough to earn a long-term deal of his own. 'I'm not really expecting it before the season,' Hall said after practice Saturday. 'We got a new head coach, a new GM, obviously I wasn't drafted by them, I'm not their guy. I gotta prove it every day.' Hall has shown flashes of stardom across his three years in the league, but has not firmly established himself in that elite tier of dual-threat running backs that Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey and Jahmyr Gibbs occupy. Jets running back Breece Hall speaks to the media after practice at training camp in Florham Park, NJ. Bill Kostroun/New York Post Last year, the addition of Braelon Allen and the dramatic increase in pass attempts with a healthy Aaron Rodgers resulted in a smaller workload than Hall had become accustomed to. His rushing yardage (876), receiving yardage (483) and efficiency (4.2 yards per carry) were all down from the prior season. Allen, who was drafted in the fourth round last year, showed promise as a rookie, recording 334 rushing yards and 148 receiving yards in a complementary role. Coach Aaron Glenn has suggested he intends to use three running backs — Hall, Allen and Isaiah Davis — in a system similar to what the Lions utilized when Glenn was there. Hall still believes he's a three-down running back, though. And he hears the clock ticking. Breece Hall (20) runs a drill during practice at training camp in Florham Park, NJ. Bill Kostroun/New York Post 'I got a chip on my shoulder,' Hall said. 'I feel like right now, 'OK this is my last chance.' For me it's always been, 'Oh he has potential, he's got potential,' but I want to be the product. Now, it's all about putting my head down and working. I don't really want to discuss all the other stuff, I just try to focus on ball right now.' Justin Fields is a strong runner at quarterback, providing the potential of a dangerous running duo along with Hall. Get the insider's view on Gang Green Sign up for Inside the Jets by Brian Costello, a weekly Sports+ exclusive. Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters And Hall has enjoyed offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand's plans for him and Fields. 'I think from a whole offensive standpoint, we're all really bought into this run scheme,' Hall said. 'I think it fits our backs more. I think it makes a lot more sense to the guys up front and the reasoning why we're doing everything and what we're doing it for, how we're gonna set other plays up with our run game. To see how much we've all bought into it and trust in our coaches, it's been good.'
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Justin Fields injury: Jets QB carted to locker room at training camp
Initial reports indicate that Fields limped off of the field with a trainer to a medical tent before the cart came to take him back to the locker room. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is scheduled to speak to the media after practice ends. Fields was one of the Jets' biggest free agent signings of the offseason, representing a new face under center for the team's new regime after Gang Green released veteran Aaron Rodgers. SAUCE GARDNER CONTRACT DETAILS: Jets agree to $120.4 million extension with star CB Fields was slated to be the Jets' starting quarterback prior to his injury. Depending on the severity of Fields' injury, the Jets may have to hold a competition for the starting job between the other three quarterbacks on their roster. Here's who New York currently has under contract: Fields signed with the Jets in free agency after spending one year with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He went 4-2 in six starts for Pittsburgh last year before Russell Wilson's return from injury relegated him to a backup role. Taylor signed a two-year deal with New York prior to the 2024 season. He played in two games for them last year - Week 1 and Week 17 - both in relief of Rodgers in garbage time. The Jets are the seventh team for the 35-year-old journeyman. Martinez joined the Jets last year after winning the UFL league MVP and UFL Championship MVP during the 2024 spring football season. He spent the fall on the Jets' practice squad and re-signed with Gang Green on a reserve/future contract in January. Cook signed with New York as an undrafted free agent about two weeks after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Missouri product went 26-13 as a starter during his collegiate career, including an 11-2 2023 season that culminated in a Cotton Bowl Classic win over Ohio State. GARRETT WILSON CONTRACT DETAILS: Jets agree to $130 million extension with star WR Length: Two years Two years Value: $40 million ($20 million AAV) The Jets are paying Fields starting quarterback money for each of the next two seasons. It was the first contract Fields signed as a free agent after his rookie contract expired following the 2024 season. The deal's $20 million average annual value ranks 20th of all NFL quarterbacks this year, behind Baker Mayfield's deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and ahead of Rodgers' with the Steelers. Fields is set to make nearly $6 million more than Rodgers will make this year in the Steel City. This story will be updated.
New York Post
6 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Alijah Vera-Tucker wants the Jets responsibility — and the future that comes with it
Alijah Vera-Tucker watched last week as Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner landed a combined $250.4 million worth of extension money to become cornerstones of this next Jets era. And Thursday, head coach Aaron Glenn called Vera-Tucker — whose 2025 campaign, as of now, will double as a contract year, with the right guard on his fifth-year option — 'absolutely' a foundational piece and expressed a hope for contract talks to begin at some point. Advertisement Vera-Tucker has tried to let his agent handle the future and focus on maximizing a training camp where he's finally healthy, but he also agreed with the belief Wilson and Gardner echoed that the Jets can reverse their disappointing trajectory from past seasons. 'It'd be great to stay with the team that drafted me,' Vera-Tucker said. 'I feel like everybody feels that way. … I can see this thing turning around, for sure, especially with Glenn, the type of coach he is. He praises physicality, but even more, like, accountability. I think that's very important for a head coach to do. That's something I haven't seen as much of in my career.' Still, there are variables that need to align in order for Vera-Tucker's long-term deal to materialize. Season-ending injuries — a torn triceps and Achilles — derailed the former first-round pick's 2022 and 2023 seasons, respectively. 3 Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker speaks to the media after practice at training camp in Florham Park, NJ on July 24. Bill Kostroun/New York Post Advertisement He dropped the classic training camp line of 'best I've ever felt coming off of an offseason,' but in Vera-Tucker's scenario, it might actually be a legitimate claim. He finished 2024 as one of six guards with run- and pass-blocking grades higher than 74.0, according to Pro Football Focus, and logged all 916 of his snaps at right guard after needing to switch positions in previous seasons. 3 Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) blocks during practice at training camp on July 24. Bill Kostroun/New York Post Advertisement This year, though, the Jets' roles on the line are more solidified. They invested two more first-round selections to land both of their tackles in Olu Fashanu (2024) and Armand Membou (2025), and the trio will be tasked with helping protect Justin Fields — who exited Thursday's practice with a right toe injury — or Tyrod Taylor, who will take the first-team reps until Fields returns. 'We want the responsibility on our shoulders,' Vera-Tucker said. 'We want to run the ball. We want to be dominant in the trenches, like any other offensive line. But I think when you put together an O-line like this, you gotta take advantage of that opportunity. You don't see many teams invest in the O-line like we have.' 3 Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) and offensive tackle Armand Membou (70) practice at training camp. Bill Kostroun/New York Post Advertisement Get the insider's view on Gang Green Sign up for Inside the Jets by Brian Costello, a weekly Sports+ exclusive. Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters Throughout most of Vera-Tucker's career, the Jets' line has been in shambles, but for once, the group — with Vera-Tucker as the anchor — has a chance to be a strength. And if Glenn and Vera-Tucker get their wish, he'll become the next piece of Gang Green's long-term future. 'He's one of those guards that can do a lot as far as run off the ball for us, pass protect,' Glenn said. 'He's a big, strong man that has been critical for how we want to play offensive football.'
