The NFL is suspending Jets wide receiver Jeremy Kerley, according to multiple reports. It's unclear what policy Kerley violated and how long the suspension will last.
But it's a significant loss for an offense that isn't exactly flush with receiving weapons. Kerley, the No. 3 receiver, has 22 catches for 217 yards and a touchdown in seven games this season. Kerley also serves as the team's punt returner. He had a critical muffed punt in the fourth quarter of Sunday's rainy loss to the Falcons.
The Jets are preparing to play the Bills on Thursday night.
Kerley, 28, is in his second stint with the Jets. He was drafted by the team in the fifth round of the 2011 draft and played with the Jets through the 2015 season, when he fell out of favor with then-offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. He played 2016 with the San Francisco 49ers.
The veteran signed with the Jets just five days before the start of the regular season, after the 49ers made him a victim of final cuts. Kerley started strong with the Jets, converting his first 19 targets from quarterback Josh McCown into catches. But in the last two games, he's had only three catches for 24 yards.
Expect rookies ArDarius Stewart and Chad Hansen to see more of receiving role with Kerley out. At punt returner, running back Elijah McGuire could be a potential replacement. McGuire returned kicks for the Jets on Sunday. Kerley has 15 punt returns this season for an average of 5.47 yards per game. He took over that role in Week 3 for Kalif Raymond, who was cut after muffing a punt in the loss to Oakland.
This is the first suspension of Kerley's NFL career.
