The Jets will see the return of two players this week, thanks to the completion of their suspensions. Tight end Chris Herndon and linebacker Brandon Copeland are available.
But New York head coach Adam Gase didn't commit to anything more than them practicing.
Gase said on Monday he wants to evaluate the duo during their first practices this week as the Jets prep for the Dallas Cowboys before anything.
"It's going to be more about getting them out in practice, kind of seeing where they're at," Gase said when discussing how much of a part both will play in their potential season debuts. "You get an exemption when those guys come back. We're just going to see how that works out, that's just day-to-day. I wish I had a great answer for you, but I won't know until we get them out at practice."
As referenced by Gase, the Jets have a roster exemption for both players following their four-game suspensions, so neither have to return. Herndon's was suspended for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy while Copeland was suspended during the preseason for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Both players had to wait an extra week to return because the Jets had an early-season bye in Week 4.
Both players had strong seasons last year. Herndon, entering his second year, had a strong start to his career with 30 catches for 502 yards and four scores. Copeland, a pass rusher, had 35 tackles and five sacks with the Jets in 2018, both career-highs.
Much of the Jets' potential successes in Week 6 ride on starting quarterback Sam Darnold, who's going through another round of tests on Tuesday, as he continues his battle with mono. But the Jets could certainly use another playmaker on offense and help getting to the quarterback as their record sits at 0-4.