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Lavish Cimini, ESPN Body Editor
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Any other life, some other big-name debut for the Brandnew York Jets.
Pro Bowl running back Haason Reddick, who reported to the team Monday after a long security wait that included an industry request, will play in games Sunday against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
“[He] I had a good week working with us,” mentor Jeff Ulbrich mentioned Friday, confirming Reddick’s situation. “He’s a guy with a lot of experience. He’s been in so many systems, so choosing ours wasn’t too difficult for him.
“He really put in the rest of the time to be told and physically he seemed very marketable. So we are interested to see what contribution he will bring to our speed team.”
Reddick will not have a predetermined snap limit and the team will evaluate his workload as the game progresses, Ulbrich said.
The Jets (2-5), losers of four straight, added Reddick and wide receiver Davante Adams in hopes of salvaging a season that began with Super Bowl aspirations. Adams made three catches for 30 yards last week in his Jets debut.
“It’s a problem, needless to say, getting guys up and up to speed,” Ulbrich said. “But in the same future, I think it’s also exciting. I’ve never been through this. I don’t think anyone has been through this.”
Reddick is on a two-week roster exemption, meaning he must be activated before 4 p.m. Saturday.
He has declined interview requests this week and said through public relations staff that he will speak to reporters after the game.
“Now don’t like me, then love me,” Reddick posted Thursday night on Instagram. “It’s still been a long time since I’ve been me.”
Reddick, 30, has not played since the Philadelphia Eagles’ playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 15. Initially, he will likely be used as a situational running back. He could replace Micheal Clemons (2.5 sacks) on third down, pairing with the team’s sack leader Will McDonald (eight) to give them two speedy wings.
Reddick’s explosiveness on the edge (50.5 sacks over the previous four seasons) should allow Ulbrich to slow his blitzing pace and rely on four-man attacks. Without Reddick and Jermaine Johnson (season-ending Achilles injury in Week 2), he has had to carry more than usual: a rate of 31%, according to ESPN Research. A year ago, it was only 17% (31st).
“As everyone knows, we are at our easiest time after accelerating to 4, and he will allow us to try this,” Ulbrich said.
The Jets gave Reddick a “gradual increase” in practice, according to defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton. He said it would have been “completely irresponsible” to overload Reddick. The last thing they want is a soft tissue injury.
“In the performances he’s been given, he’s finished the best, he’s performed intelligently and it looks like he’s been in the mood,” Whitecotton said. “From all my interactions with him, I have believed and depended on the truth that he is a weather man.”
By skipping the first seven games, Reddick lost $5.5 million of his $14.25 million base salary. He also racked up more than $6 million in fines.
Reddick organized the resistance because he wanted a contract extension. In the end, he settled for an adjusted contract through 2024. He will receive his remaining base salary ($8.7 million), plus $5.3 million in various performance-related incentives. He still wants to do an extension with the Jets, according to his agent. If not, he will be a free agent.
The Jets traded a conditional 2026 third-round pick for Reddick, thinking he would be a key defensive player. Coaches and teammates downplayed the discomfort of his midseason arrival.
“Nobody hates him for the future he neglected,” defensive tackle Solomon Thomas said. “No one looks askance at him.”
Cornerback DJ Reed (groin) and nickelback Michael Carter II (again) will return to the lineup, but defensive back Tony Adams (hamstring) and wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) are questionable. Safeguard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) was ruled out.
