The first week of the 2026 season delivered the thing Jets fans have been asking for since January — a win that looked like a plan rather than an accident — and then immediately charged them for it at safety. Here is everything we covered between September 12 and September 18, with the full 2026 schedule for what comes next.
The Jets opened 1–0 with a 23–10 win at Tennessee, lost Minkah Fitzpatrick to a groin injury that is expected to cost him two to three weeks, put Tim Patrick on injured reserve, added two players to the practice squad, and returned home to face an 0–1 Green Bay team. Seven stories, in order.
What happened with the Jets this week?
Seven things, and six of them were settled before Wednesday. The week ran from the Friday injury designations through Sunday’s win, the Monday fallout and a pair of Wednesday roster moves.
1. The Jets set their Week 1 designations
Two days before kickoff the team ruled out Joseph Ossai and Tim Patrick and listed two more as doubtful, which framed the shape of the defense that would travel to Nashville.
2. Tim Patrick landed on injured reserve
On game day the Jets listed five inactives at Tennessee and moved Tim Patrick to injured reserve. Patrick’s placement was the roster consequence of a designation that had been trending that way all week.
3. The Green & White won the opener, 23–10
The headline result. The Jets beat the Titans 23–10 behind a controlling run game and three sacks — Breece Hall went for 102 total yards, Geno Smith was 19-of-24 for 215, and the defense allowed 23 passing yards in the first quarter. Tennessee held the ball for under 22 minutes.
4. Minkah Fitzpatrick left the game
The cost arrived in the first half, when Fitzpatrick was ruled out with a groin injury and the Jets awaited an MRI. Rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. and cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. also left; Brownlee returned.
5. The Fitzpatrick timeline came back
By midweek there was a number attached. Fitzpatrick is expected to miss two to three weeks, which puts the Jets’ most decorated defensive back on the shelf for the home opener and likely beyond it.
6. Two additions to the practice squad
The roster churn continued as the Jets signed Jordan Clark and added Sterling Shepard to the practice squad, a depth response in the secondary and at receiver.
7. Green Bay comes to MetLife
The week closes looking forward. Our Week 2 preview of Jets vs. Packers covers Sunday’s 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff at MetLife against a Packers team that outgained Minnesota by 180 yards in Week 1 and lost by 17.
What is the biggest question heading into Week 2?
How the secondary holds up without Fitzpatrick. Green Bay produced an 81-yard touchdown catch in Week 1 and Jordan Love threw for 387 yards, so the Jets are down their best safety precisely when a vertical passing offense arrives. The encouraging counter-signal is that cornerback D’Angelo Ponds and linebacker Jamien Sherwood both returned to full practice participation on Thursday.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Jets do in Week 1 of the 2026 season?
The Jets won 23–10 at Tennessee on Sunday, September 13, opening the season 1–0. Breece Hall had 102 total yards and a touchdown, and the defense sacked Cam Ward three times.
How long is Minkah Fitzpatrick out?
Fitzpatrick is expected to miss two to three weeks with a groin injury suffered in the Week 1 win. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday of Week 2.
Why was Tim Patrick placed on injured reserve?
Patrick was ruled out ahead of Week 1 and then moved to injured reserve on game day, when the Jets listed five inactives at Tennessee.
Who did the Jets add to the practice squad this week?
The Jets signed Jordan Clark and added Sterling Shepard to the practice squad, per the club’s transactions release.
Who do the Jets play in Week 2?
The Jets host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, September 20 at 1:00 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium, carried regionally on FOX.
What is the Packers’ record coming into Week 2?
Green Bay is 0–1 after a 39–22 loss at Minnesota in Week 1, a game in which the Packers outgained the Vikings 419 yards to 239 but committed 12 penalties.