Monday night was a long time coming for Jets safety Doug Middleton, who started his first NFL game in the Jets' Week 1 win at the Lions. Middleton had previously played in just four games, all in 2016, when he was an undrafted rookie. He missed all of last season with a torn pectoral muscle.
He got the starting nod in Detroit because free safety Marcus Maye (foot) was sidelined. Maye is listed as doubtful for Sunday's home opener against Miami, so Middleton likely will start for him again.
Before going undrafted, Middleton played at Appalachian State, because he was a lightly recruited player who didn't get much attention from larger schools.