Jets Activate Two Veterans Off IR, Release Amos and Newman to Make Room

The New York Jets activated two veterans off Injured Reserve on Saturday, making them available to face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 13.

After opening their 21-day practice windows earlier this week, the Jets wasted no time in re-adding offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer and special teams ace Justin Hardee to the 53-man roster. Creating spots for Schweitzer and Hardee, the team released veteran safety Adrian Amos and reserve lineman Xavier Newman. Both Amos and Newman appeared in the Black Friday loss to Miami with the latter starting at right guard.

Schweitzer and Hardee returned to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday but progressed to full participation by week's end. The former is officially questionable to play on Sunday, according to the injury report.

The 30-year-old Schweitzer, who is the probable starter at right guard against the Falcons, landed on IR following the Week 8 win over the New York Giants. Starting the game at guard, the versatile veteran injured his calf after moving to center due to an injury to Connor McGovern. Schweitzer, who signed as a free agent this past March, was starting in place of rookie Joe Tippmann, who was unavailable due to injury.

Hardee, who earned a Pro Bowl nod for his special teams prowess last year, has been sidelined by a hamstring since mid-October. The cornerback was last available for the Week 5 road win over Denver. He had made 25 consecutive appearances for the Jets prior to missing the Week 6 game against Philadelphia. The special teams captain instantly upgrades the Jets' kick coverage unit when on the field. 

After initially joining the organization in early October as a Practice Squad player, Newman signed to the active roster prior to the Week 12 matchup with Miami. He has snapping experience and is a candidate to land back on the Practice Squad next week. Amos, who signed as a free agent in June after presumed starting free safety Chuck Clark tore his ACL, appeared in all 11 games for Gang Green thus far but has become expendable. His release was reportedly a mutually agreed upon decision. 

The Jets (4-7) and the Falcons (5-6) will kick off at 1:00 pm ET on December 3 in East Rutherford. 

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