Free-agent DT addition not ready for Jets' MNF opener, creates chance for rookie

The New York Jets swapped out veteran defensive tackles Quinton Jefferson and Al Woods in favor of free agents Javon Kinlaw and Leki Fotu this past offseason.

The latter, however, won't make his regular season Jets' debut until October. As New York kicks off the Monday Night Football schedule against the San Francisco 49ers , Fotu is on Injured Reserve with eligibility to return after four weeks.

"He's dealing with a hamstring," said head coach Robert Saleh after the 53-man roster was set last week. "We're hopeful for Week 2-3, but because it's that Thursday game, rather than have him get ready for Week 3, we think he would've been ready for Week 3, but without practice, we felt just let it ride until the fourth game."

While Pro Bowl selection Quinnen Williams and Kinlaw are projected as the Jets' starting defensive tackles, Fotu was seemingly in line for second-string reps alongside Solomon Thomas. The 26-year-old Fotu, a 2020 fourth-round draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals , logged 280+ defensive snaps each of his first four NFL seasons.

With Fotu unavailable to the Jets in the interim, undrafted rookie Leonard Taylor earned a spot on the 53-man roster as the fourth defensive tackle. Although defensive end Micheal Clemons has been deployed on the interior in the past, one would think Taylor will slide into the DT4 role in Fotu's absence.

A once highly-touted prospect out of Miami, Taylor made an impression throughout training camp . In three preseason games, the two-way defensive tackle registered 2.5 sacks and three stops against the run.

Fotu's only exhibition action came as a starter in the preseason opener against the Washington Commanders . He recorded 22 defensive snaps and one solo tackle.

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