The Jets are finally getting healthy on defense.
Jamal Adams, Brian Poole, Arthur Maulet and Quinnen Williams are all returning for Gang Green against the Steelers in Week 16. Adams, Poole and Maulet have missed the Jets’ last two games, while Williams sat out in Week 15 after suffering a stinger against the Dolphins.
New York’s defense got thrashed by the Baltimore Ravens a week ago, but with three starters in the secondary back on the field and Williams back in the trenches, things just got a bit tougher for a Pittsburgh squad in need of a win to keep its playoff hopes alive.
While the Jets get healthy on defense, their offense continues to be plagued by injuries. Starting offensive lineman Tom Compton and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas are both inactive on Sunday, leaving New York with two gaping holes to fill.
The Jets will turn to either Conor McDermott or Brent Qvale on the line in place of Compton, while Vyncint Smith will see an increased role in Adam Gase’s wide receiver rotation. Josh Malone could also see some snaps at wideout after being promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster earlier this week.
As for the Steelers, they enter the week relatively healthy with arguably their best player returning. Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is back and will play for the first time in a month, giving quarterback Devlin Hodges a big-time weapon to work with.
