New York Jets' important defensive piece almost ready to return from injury

The New York Jets have gone through a bulk of training camp practices without an important member of their defensive secondary.

While boundary cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed have been readily available, starting slot corner Michael Carter II has fallen victim to the injury bug. The 2021 fifth-round draft pick suffered an ankle injury when he collided with offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer during a July 31 practice and he has been on the shelf since walking off hobbled.

After being sidelined for three weeks, Carter II is close to a return according to Jets' fourth-year head coach Robert Saleh.

"We'll see. It's day to day," said Saleh after Monday's session in Florham Park. "We'll see how it looks at the end of the weekend, whether we can get them back into practice, but he's getting a lot closer."

Carter was present at Tuesday's light practice in Florham Park, stopping to take photos with fans in attendance. The large majority of practice reps belong to the second-team and third-team players with quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker CJ Mosley receiving veteran rest days.

The Jets are slated to go up against the New York Giants in a joint practice on Wednesday, but odds are Carter won't participate in team drills just yet.

It's an important season for Carter, whose rookie contract will expire at year's end. He has been charged with only three touchdowns allowed over 47 career games. In 2023, he limited opposing passers to a 51.6 completion percentage when targeted.

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• Jets designate ex-Packers' receiver Reserve/Injured, sign UFL defensive tackle

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