The Jets are getting back one of their most dangerous offensive weapons against the Dolphins on Sunday, as tight end Chris Herndon returns to the field after missing New York’s first seven games due to a suspension and a nagging hamstring injury.
Herndon’s return gives Sam Darnold a safety blanket to work with underneath. The two developed a solid rapport as rookies and the hope is that they can pick up where they left off in 2018. Herndon’s return is also a homecoming for him, as he played his college ball in Miami. Defensive end Henry Anderson also returns for the Jets against the Dolphins after being sidelined with a shoulder injury.
As for the rest of New York’s inactives, Gang Green will be without starters Ryan Kalil (knee), Trumaine Johnson (ankles), Neville Hewitt (neck/knee) and Kelvin Beachum (ankle). Special teams aces Josh Bellamy and Rontez Miles are also missing Sunday’s game.
Hewitt’s absence leaves the Jets in a bind at linebacker, as Blake Cashman is on season-ending injured reserve with a shoulder injury and C.J. Mosley is out again this week. New York will likely be forced to replace Cashman and Hewitt on a rotational basis with James Burgess starting in the middle. As they have for the past three games, the Jets will roll with Chuma Edoga in place of Beachum, while Jonotthan Harrison will start in place of Kalil.
The Dolphins will be without starting safety Rashad Jones, cornerback Ken Webster and a handful of other key contributors.
