Sadiq's recovery timeline
New York Jets rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq is expected to be available for the team's regular-season opener against the Tennessee Titans, according to head coach Aaron Glenn. Glenn has repeated this expectation in recent days, despite the first-round pick having been sidelined since early August after suffering a setback in his recovery from offseason hernia surgery.
Glenn told reporters that Sadiq is on a "maintenance program" for now and did not offer a specific return date. The absence has kept the rookie out of recent training camp practices, adding to his already limited participation in the offseason program and minicamp after missing OTAs. Sadiq had initially returned to practice on the first day of camp after undergoing the procedure early in the offseason.
Glenn said the issue is not expected to sideline him during the regular season, and he has maintained that expectation for weeks. According to offensive coordinator Frank Reich, the team has a plan to get Sadiq up to speed once he returns. "There's no doubt we'll scale it back," Reich said, indicating a careful approach to incorporating the rookie.
The Jets selected Sadiq with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2026 draft, with his $22.3 million contract fully guaranteed. In his third and final season at Oregon, he posted 52 receptions for 568 yards and eight touchdowns and clocked a record-setting 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Sadiq is currently listed as the Jets' TE2 behind Mason Taylor, with Jeremy Ruckert behind him on the depth chart. Glenn has praised the rookie's versatility and athleticism. The team knew about the hernia issue before the draft, per Glenn, and the injury is not expected to threaten Sadiq's regular-season availability.
Other Jets injury updates
In addition to Sadiq, Glenn said he expects cornerback D'Angelo Ponds (calf) to return for Week 1. Running back Breece Hall, after suffering a strained groin at last Monday's practice, is on track to play against the Titans. Hall has 20 days to get ready for the season opener, and Glenn said he expects him to be ready despite what sources describe as a two-to-three week timeline for full recovery.
ESPN's Rich Cimini reported that Hall went down without contact after making a catch, and Jets beat writer Brian Costello speculated it could be a groin injury. Hall is expected to handle a three-down workload after seeing a 33 percent opportunity share last season, making his health critical for the offense.
Training camp closes on high note
Training camp for the 2026 Jets has concluded, with the focus shifting to Friday's preseason finale against the New York Giants and the Week 1 opener in Tennessee, as reported by Sports Illustrated. The passing operation has been a key highlight, with quarterback Geno Smith making accurate downfield throws and looking comfortable spreading the ball to weapons including Mason Taylor, who made a notable play against Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The defensive line has been a consistent presence in practice, with rookie defensive lineman Nate Lynn recording a sack in Tuesday's practice and a two-sack performance in last Friday's preseason. The backup offensive unit has struggled against the defensive line's pressure, with rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik being harassed throughout Tuesday's practice. While this reflects a strong rotational defensive group, it also highlights depth concerns along the offensive line. Additionally, left guard Dylan Parham's absence at the end of team drills was noted, and backup and cornerback position battles continue to be storylines.
Around the league
The following injury and roster updates from around the NFL were reported on Monday. According to Saints beat writer Nick Underhill, the knee injury suffered by Ty Chandler in Saturday's game against the Rams is "feared to be serious." Chandler, who has rushed for 710 yards and three touchdowns in four seasons, also returned a kick 86 yards in the first preseason game. Additionally, Saints running back Kendre Miller said he expects a bigger role this season with Alvin Kamara (knee) sidelined for about a month. Miller is entering his fourth season and second in head coach Kellen Moore's offense, having rushed 47 times for 193 yards and one touchdown last season.
The Cardinals activated EDGE Josh Sweat from the active/PUP list; he had 30 tackles and 12 sacks last season. The team also waived running back Trey Benson, who has 451 career rushing yards and one touchdown.
For the Chiefs, coach Andy Reid said "we'll just see" when asked about Patrick Mahomes' (knee) Week 1 status, though Mahomes has been present for every practice and has yet to miss a rep. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported last week that Mahomes was on track to return.
In Atlanta, head coach Kevin Stefanski said Michael Penix and Tua Tagovailoa will split first-team reps on Monday. Penix was recently cleared for 11-on-11 practice and will participate in those drills on Monday, as he works his way back from a torn ACL suffered in November. Adam Schefter added that Tagovailoa "hasn't run away" with the competition.
Finally, the Giants' Malik Nabers (knee) was spotted without a non-contact jersey at Monday's practice and participated in a limited capacity in 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills, per ESPN's Jordan Raanan. Head coach John Harbaugh said it would be "reasonable to assume" Nabers will play in Week 1 barring any setbacks.