Jason Sanders is a kicker on the New York Jets’ 53-man active roster. After being elevated from the practice squad for each of the first three games of 2026, he was signed to the active roster on September 29, 2026. See the full Jets roster hub.
Background and Path to the Jets
The Jets signed Sanders on June 3, 2026, waiving kickers Younghoe Koo and wide receiver Da’Quan Felton in the same move.
On August 31, 2026 the club released him after being awarded kicker Blake Grupe off waivers, then signed him to the practice squad the same day as one of 16 players added.
The Jets elevated him to the active roster on September 12, 2026 ahead of the Week 1 game at Tennessee, and elevated him again on September 19, 2026 for the Week 2 home opener against Green Bay.
He was elevated a third time on September 26, 2026 for the Week 3 game at Detroit. On September 29, 2026 the Jets signed him to the active roster and waived Blake Grupe.
Career Snapshot
| Period | Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 3, 2026 | New York Jets | Signed; Jets waive K Younghoe Koo |
| Aug 31, 2026 | New York Jets | Released after the club claimed K Blake Grupe off waivers |
| Aug 31, 2026 | New York Jets | Signed to the practice squad |
| Sep 12, 2026 | New York Jets | Elevated to the active roster for Week 1 |
| Sep 19, 2026 | New York Jets | Elevated to the active roster for Week 2 |
| Sep 26, 2026 | New York Jets | Elevated to the active roster for Week 3 |
| Sep 29, 2026 | New York Jets | Signed to the active roster; Jets waive K Blake Grupe |
Current Status
Updated September 30, 2026. Sanders is on the Jets’ 53-man active roster. The club signed him from the practice squad on September 29, 2026, after elevating him for each of the first three games, and waived Blake Grupe in the same move; our report on signing Sanders and waiving Blake Grupe has the details. The club says he leads the Jets with 20 points on 5-of-6 field goals through Week 3. Our Week 1 recap covers his kicking in the opener at Tennessee. Weekly game results are listed on the 2026 schedule page, and weekly designations on the Jets injury hub.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jason Sanders the Jets’ kicker?
Yes. The Jets signed him from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster on September 29, 2026, after elevating him for each of the first three games of the season.
Why did the Jets release Jason Sanders?
The Jets released him on August 31, 2026 after being awarded kicker Blake Grupe off waivers. They signed Sanders to the practice squad the same day.
When did the Jets sign Jason Sanders?
The Jets first signed him on June 3, 2026, re-signed him to the practice squad on August 31, 2026, and signed him to the active roster on September 29, 2026.
Has Jason Sanders played for the Jets in 2026?
Yes. He was elevated to the active roster for the Week 1 game at Tennessee on September 12, for the Week 2 home opener on September 19 and for the Week 3 game at Detroit on September 26.
What is a practice-squad elevation?
It is a move that adds a practice-squad player to the active roster for a single game, after which he reverts to the practice squad.