FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – The winless New York Jets have made decisive moves by releasing players who made crucial mistakes on special teams, repeating this action for the second time in four weeks. The most recent to be cut was Isaiah Williams, who lost a fumble on the kickoff of the second half during the 27-21 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Monday night. This action reflects the coach’s search for accountability in his first year at the helm of the team. Previously, after the Week 1 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Jets had cut kickoff returner Xavier Gipson, whose late fumble proved costly in a two-point defeat. In Williams’ case, he also made a mental error: a poorly advised reception of the ball in his own 3-yard line when the Jets were losing by 11 points in the last quarter.
To fill Williams’ position, the Jets promoted linebacker Mykal Walker from the practice squad. It is not yet clear who will handle kickoff and punt returns in the next game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. The most likely candidates are running back Avery Williams (promoted from the practice squad) and backup running back Isaiah Davis, who has 11 kickoff returns. Avery Williams, former selection of the Atlanta Falcons, was signed this week for the practice squad. The Jets are in a complicated situation due to the absence of their main kickoff returner, Kene Nwangwu (hamstring injury), who has missed three games and is also ruled out for Sunday’s game. Running back Braelon Allen also handled kickoff returns, but he injured his knee on Monday night on a return and will be out for at least two months. Also, safety Dean Clark was promoted for the match.“That was a big part of the game, and I let the team down,” Williams said after the game, referring to his fumble. About the reception of the ball, he added: “I thought too much, man, I was just trying to make a play. In the last minute, I see a Miami player and forget where I am on the field.”
Isaiah Williams
