Jets WR Arian Smith Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

This is the latest disappointing development for Smith, who has failed to carve out an offensive role since the Jets took him in the fourth round of the 2025 draft. The former Georgia Bulldog played 16 games and made five starts as a rookie, but he only caught seven passes for 52 yards.

Smith played just three offensive snaps and went without a catch in the Jets’ first two games this season. He took on more work as a special-teamer (38% snap share) before suffering the knee injury in a 20-17 loss to the Packers in Week 2.

While Smith was a non-factor for the Jets’ offense, losing him is another shot to their depth at the position. New York is also without first-round rookie Omar Cooper Jr. and Tim Patrick, who are on IR alongside Smith. Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, Isaiah Williams and undrafted rookie Malik McClain are the only healthy receivers on the Jets’ 53-man roster as they prepare to face the Lions in Week 3. With that in mind, it seems likely the Jets will elevate Sterling Shepard and/or Tyler Johnson from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s game. The two veteran wideouts joined the Jets last week.

Like Smith, defensive tackle David Onyemata landed on IR on Tuesday. Onyemata, who is dealing with a groin injury, underwent core-muscle surgery, Cimini relays. It is unclear how much time Onyemata will miss, but Glenn indicated he will make it back this season.

The fact that Onyemata will sit out at least four games is a letdown for the Jets, who made the 33-year-old a key part of their offseason haul. The Jets gave the former Saint and Falcon a one-year, $10.5MM deal after he put together back-to-back full, productive seasons in Atlanta. With Onyemata on the shelf, the Jets could rely more on Harrison Phillips, T’Vondre Sweat, Jowon Briggs and fourth-rounder Darrell Jackson Jr. along the interior.