Though the Jets’ focus remains on quarterback Sam Darnold, another rookie faces a critical stretch to finish the season.
Defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd, the Jets’ third-round pick, has started five games this year and played in all 12, but he was barely on the field last week against the Titans. He played a season-low 12 snaps following his worst game of the season, according to his coaches, Week 12 against the Patriots.
“First and foremost, I trust my coaches,” Shepherd said of his reduced role. “Whatever talks we have during the week and the preparation we have, it is in order to put the defense in the best situation to win.