Brief

Jets hope rookie duo Omar Cooper Jr. and Kenyon Sadiq boost offense vs Patriots

With key starters still out, the Jets count on two first‑round picks to help revive a struggling offense in their AFC East opener.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 17 Oct 2026 12:10:23 GMT

The New York Jets are counting on rookie receiver Omar Cooper Jr. and rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq to play against the New England Patriots in their AFC East opener, despite several key offensive players remaining sidelined.

What happened

Jets coach Aaron Glenn confirmed that No. 2 receiver Adonai Mitchell, top running back Breece Hall and starting left guard Dylan Parham were ruled out on Friday, leaving the unit short for the upcoming game. Sadiq, who suffered a concussion against the Cleveland Browns last Sunday, practiced fully on Friday for the first time this week. Cooper, the No. 30 overall pick, has been out since Week 1 after injuring his ankle on his first NFL reception, a 30‑yard catch and run.

What the reports add

The New York Post notes that the Jets have managed only 29 points over their first two games and rank 23rd in passing, 26th in total offense and 27th in points scored. In contrast, the Patriots have thrown seven touchdown passes in the last two weeks and scored 74 points in wins over the Bills and Raiders, while their defense ranks fourth in points allowed (18.8 per game). The article also highlights that backup running back Braelon Allen had a career‑best 116 yards and a fourth‑quarter touchdown in the win over the Browns.

What was said

“I thought Braelon did a hell of a job, and not just Braelon but the whole O‑line and the run concepts that we had,” Jets coach Aaron Glenn said, as reported by the New York Post.

Glenn added that establishing the run game will be critical against a strong Patriots defense.

How it came about

The Jets used two of their three first‑round picks on Cooper and Sadiq to reduce reliance on star wideout Garrett Wilson. Sadiq recorded a seven‑catch, 105‑yard performance in a Week 3 loss to the Lions, while Cooper posted 69 catches for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns at Indiana. The team hopes the duo can ease the burden on Wilson, who will face top cornerback Christian Gonzalez.

Key facts

Omar Cooper Jr. and Kenyon Sadiq are expected to play against the Patriots despite previous injuries. (nypost.com)
Jets are missing Adonai Mitchell, Breece Hall and Dylan Parham for the AFC East opener. (nypost.com)
Jets rank 23rd in passing and 27th in points scored after two games. (nypost.com)
Patriots have thrown seven TD passes in the last two weeks and rank fourth in points allowed. (nypost.com)
Coach Aaron Glenn praised Braelon Allen's performance in the win over the Browns. (nypost.com)