Jets Make Two Moves to Prep Roster for Raiders, SNF

The New York Jets are calling in two reinforcements for their Sunday Night Football road test against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Prior to Saturday's deadline, the team elevated interior offensive lineman Xavier Newman and wide receiver Malik Taylor from the Practice Squad for the important November 12 matchup in the desert. The Week 10 primetime affair will mark the third game in a row that both Newman and Taylor have been designated at P-Squad elevations, meaning they must be signed to the active roster in order to play past Sunday.

With right tackle Billy Turner already ruled out, Newman may get the start at right guard. He initially came off the bench and entered the Week 8 game against the New York Giants at right guard as an injury substitute. He moved to center later in the game after a subsequent injury forced the Jets into a pickle.

"It’s just he can snap, so we had our choices of guys to call up. There are guys who have been here much longer than he has, but he could snap, and you always want to have three centers," said Saleh of the decision to elevate Newman the first time. "You got Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams standing over top of you and it’s your first game ever snapping. That is not easy, and I thought he did a really nice job."

Newman, a second-year pro, was not needed on offense in Week 9 against the Chargers but did log two special teams snaps in the 27-6 setback. It was the sixth career NFL game for the former undrafted prospect out of Baylor.

Taylor drew a pass interference penalty in the aforementioned Giants' game, setting up the game-winning overtime field goal. One week later, he saw 18 snaps on offense and made one seven-yard catch against the Chargers.

The 27-year-old Taylor, who totaled 25 appearances with the Green Bay Packers over a two-year span (2020-21), will likely be deployed on special teams with the unit already missing Justin Hardee (Injured Reserve) and Chazz Surratt (ruled out Friday).

"Trying to get Irv [Charles] up, trying to get Malik up. Those guys are big special teams players for us," said Saleh on Friday. 

The Jets (4-4) and the Raiders (4-5) will kick off in Allegiant Stadium at 8:30 pm ET on NBC.

Jets' Practice Squad (as of Nov. 11)

CB Kalon Barnes

S Trey Dean

OL Jake Hanson

CB Tae Hayes

DL Jalyn Holmes

CB Craig James

TE Zack Kuntz

LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball

WR Lance McCutcheon

OL Xavier Newman*

OL Rodger Saffold

QB Trevor Siemian

DL Marquiss Spencer

WR Malik Taylor* 

RB Xazavian Valladay 

* elevated to active roster for Week 10

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