NFL player in white and green jersey (number 27) rushing with the ball during a game, crowd in stands blurred in the background.
NFL player in white and green jersey (number 27) rushing with the ball during a game, crowd in stands blurred in the background.
It’s been a busy few hours for Jets general manager Darren Mougey who added three of his players to injured reserve while adding three more players to his practice squad. Here’s a full rundown of the moves.
Placed on Injured Reserve:
WR Arian Smith: A colossal bust since being over-drafted in the fourth round last season, Smith has one target (a drop) this season and had a huge hand in the Jets loss last Sunday. Viewed as a special teams ace, Smith whiffed on a tackle that led to a sixty-six yard return which led to a late Packers field goal. Could this be the first step in Gang Green cutting ties with Smith and moving on?
DT David Onyemata: Brought in to be a run stuffing DT, Onyemata is one of Aaron Glenn’s guys. Now he moves to IR after just 48 snaps.
LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball: A special teams standout who had an outstanding training camp. McCrary-Ball was seen being examined by team doctors on the sideline on Sunday. Now he heads to IR.
Added to Active Roster:
WR Malik McClain: McClain was a special teams standout in the preseason and does a better job of catching the ball than Smith. He also adds a big target at 6′ 4” if he gets any run on offense.
The @nyjets special teams picks up where they left off last year. Hell of a punt by McNamara and a great play by Malik McClain to down it inside the 1-yard line. pic.twitter.com/HEf32tGsFb
— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) August 15, 2026
LB Troy Reeder: A veteran in his eighth season, Reeder had three tackles on special teams in his Jets debut last week but now rather than a late elevation, he joins the 53-man roster.
DT Jack Heflin: Heflin was a pleasant pre-season surprise as he looked like a fundamentally sound interior lineman who always appeared to be in position to impact the play. His addition to the practice squad out of camp came as no surprise and it’s fair to say this is a shot he earned.
Added to Practice Squad:
QB Will Levis: The former second-round pick (33rd overall) of the Tennessee Titans, Levis joins the Jets QB room following the release of Bailey Zappe.
TE Cody Hardy: Primarily a run blocker in college, Hardy is an NC State product who managed just six receptions in his final collegiate season but he did make them count, finding the end zone twice.
DL Isaiahh Loudermilk: A part-time player for the Steelers from 2021-2025, Loudermilk has appeared in sixty games (7 starts) as a pro, racking up 63 tackles and a sack.
LB Jaden Keller: Keller spent this preseason with the Jets as an undrafted free agent, picking up six tackles in three games.
Released from Practice Squad:
QB Bailey Zappe: Zappe struggled for the Jets in the preseason but was kept on the roster as a veteran backup option but is now replaced by Levis.