Jets waiting on injured defensive reinforcement, debut could happen Monday

The New York Jets signed Leki Fotu to fill a role at defensive tackle, but they haven't had the chance to see him in action yet.

Fotu has been on Injured Reserve since the start of the regular season due to a hamstring injury. The Jets opened his 21-day practice activation window last week ahead of their trip to London.

The 26-year-old Fotu practiced fully last Wednesday and Thursday but was a limited participant on Friday . He was downgraded from doubtful to out on Saturday.

"We wanted to give him another week. We talked about it but felt like he needed at least another week. Not saying that this will be the week he comes up, but hopefully he progresses better," said former Jets' head coach Robert Saleh on Monday, one day prior to his surprising dismissal.

Fotu started New York's preseason opener, logging 22 defensive snaps and one tackle against the Washington Commanders on August 10. He did not dress for the two subsequent exhibition contests.

The 2020 fourth-round draft pick spent his first four NFL seasons on the Arizona Cardinals' defensive line, totaling 56 games. Fotu made 11 appearances (9 starts) in 2023 after not missing a game in either the two prior seasons. He last played in a regular season contest against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18 last year, recording three tackles over 19 defensive snaps.

Gang Green is also looking to get veteran linebacker CJ Mosley back into the mix. The defensive captain has been out since suffering a toe injury against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2.

The Jets, who prepare for a Monday Night Football showdown against the AFC East rival Buffalo Bills on October 14, will issue their first injury report on Thursday afternoon.

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