It was a heavy week of roster attrition for a team that is playing better than its record. The Jets lost an overtime game they led by double digits, sent three more players to injured reserve and reshuffled the quarterback room, and they now head to Detroit sitting at 1–1 on the 2026 Jets schedule.
Between September 19 and September 25 the Jets lost 20–17 in overtime to Green Bay, placed David Onyemata, Marcelino McCrary-Ball and Arian Smith on injured reserve, added quarterback Will Levis to the practice squad and released Bailey Zappe. Detroit is next, on Sunday.
How did the Jets lose to the Packers in Week 2?
They stopped scoring and could not close the door. The Jets dropped a 20–17 overtime decision at MetLife Stadium after leading by 10 points with 11 minutes left in regulation. The defense did its job, holding Jordan Love and the Green Bay offense to 199 total yards and forcing four fumbles, but the offense produced the lowest third-down conversion rate in the league that week.
What did the injury report look like going into the home opener?
Edge rusher Will McDonald IV was the name to watch. He was listed as questionable with an ankle injury ahead of the Green Bay game, one of several defenders the Jets were managing at the position. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick had already been ruled out and remains on the report with a groin injury.
What happened with David Onyemata?
His week went from a game-day downgrade to a season-altering procedure. Onyemata was downgraded to out with a groin injury during the Week 2 loss, and the club then placed him on injured reserve after surgery. Head coach Aaron Glenn described the procedure as core muscle surgery, per the team, while the club’s own transaction release characterized the injury as a groin injury — a difference we reported rather than resolved.
Who else went on injured reserve?
Three more players in total, across two announcements. Rookie receiver Omar Cooper Jr. was placed on injured reserve, with two players elevated for the game, and on September 22 the Jets placed Onyemata, linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball and receiver Arian Smith on injured reserve together. Smith will miss the season after ACL surgery, according to the club.
The Jets filled those spots off the street rather than standing pat, signing linebacker Troy Reeder, receiver Malik McClain and defensive lineman Jack Heflin to the active roster over the same stretch.
Why did the Jets change quarterbacks on the practice squad?
They swapped the developmental arm. The Jets added Will Levis to the practice squad and released Bailey Zappe. Glenn said publicly that Levis is a player the staff believes it can develop, and Levis joined the practice squad alongside linebacker Jaden Keller.
What is the one number that defines the Jets’ start?
One hundred and ninety-seven. That is the yards per game the Jets defense has allowed through two weeks, which leads the NFL, and it is the first time in franchise history that the team has held each of its first two opponents under 200 yards. The Jets also rank second against the run, second against the pass and first in time-of-possession differential.
What is next for the Jets?
Detroit, on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET. Our Week 3 preview of Jets at Lions covers kickoff and broadcast details, Aaron Glenn’s first meeting with Dan Campbell as a head coach, and the collision between the league’s best defense and a Lions offense averaging 31 points a game.
What was the Jets’ record after Week 2 of the 2026 season?
The Jets were 1–1, after a 23–10 win at Tennessee in Week 1 and a 20–17 overtime loss to Green Bay in Week 2.
Why was David Onyemata placed on injured reserve?
The Jets placed Onyemata on injured reserve on September 22 after surgery. Head coach Aaron Glenn described the procedure as core muscle surgery, while the club’s transaction release characterized the injury as a groin injury.
Which Jets players went on injured reserve this week?
David Onyemata, linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball and receiver Arian Smith were placed on injured reserve on September 22. Receiver Omar Cooper Jr. had been placed on injured reserve ahead of the Week 2 game.
Is Arian Smith out for the season?
Yes. According to the team, Arian Smith will miss the 2026 season after ACL surgery.
Why did the Jets sign Will Levis?
The Jets added Will Levis to the practice squad and released Bailey Zappe. Head coach Aaron Glenn said Levis is a player the staff feels it can develop.
Who do the Jets play in Week 3?
The Jets play the Detroit Lions on Sunday, September 27 at 1:00 p.m. ET at Ford Field, on FOX.