Chris Herndon and Brandon Copeland may not be ready to return from their suspensions just yet.
Adam Gase said Monday that he needs to see how both Herndon and Copeland perform at practice before deciding whether to activate them or not. The Jets have roster exemptions on both players because they are coming off of suspension, meaning the Jets don’t necessarily have to activate them right away if they don’t want to.
Herndon was suspended for four games for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. He was allegedly driving while intoxicated in June 2018 and crashed into a 76-year-old-man’s car.
The tight end had a breakout rookie season last year with 39 catches for 502 yards and four touchdowns. It wad the first time the Jets got quality production out of the tight end position in years.
Copeland, meanwhile, was suspended during the preseason after violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. He had the best year of his career last season with 35 combined tackles and five sacks. The Jets could use his presence as a pass rusher.
Gang Green needs all the reinforcements that it can get at 0-4. Herndon would give the Jets another offensive weapon, while Copeland can get to the quarterback, which the Jets haven’t done much this season.
But it will be up to Gase if either plays on Sunday against the Cowboys.
