NY Jets activate rookie CB Bryce Hall off the COVID-19 list

The NY Jets have officially activated rookie cornerback Bryce Hall off of the COVID-19 list.

The NY Jets announced a few roster moves on Thursday and while the most notable one will be the trade for running back Kalen Ballage, another move regarding rookie cornerback Bryce Hall could be more important.

The Jets have officially activated Hall off of the COVID-19 list after the rookie spent nearly a month on the sideline. In a corresponding move, the team released running back Pete Guerriero who they signed just a few days ago.

A local Monmouth product, Guerriero went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft and looked to make a strong impression with his hometown team. Unfortunately, the trade for Ballage likely spelled the end of his brief Jets tenure.

As for Hall, the fifth-round pick in this year’s draft will hope to return to the practice field as soon as possible after missing all of training camp so far.

Unfortunately, Hall is reportedly still dealing with an ankle injury that ended his college career prematurely and it’s unclear how far along he is in the rehab process.

Brian Costello of the New York Post speculated last week that Hall would not be cleared to return to practice even once he was activated. And there’s a good chance that remains true.

Nonetheless, it’s at least encouraging to see a player who many fans have been high on get one step closer to taking the field.

In more encouraging news, the activations of Hall and Miami Dolphins’ cornerback Xavien Howard mean that just one NFL player remains on the COVID-19 list, Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive tackle Ryan Pope.

That’s great news with the NFL season a little over two weeks from starting up.

The NY Jets will certainly be happy to have Bryce Hall back.

Hall was expected to potentially compete for a starting role in training camp or at least a spot as the team’s dime cornerback.

With Pierre Desir solidified as the No. 1 cornerback, the likes of Hall, Blessuan Austin, Quincy Wilson, Arthur Maulet, and Nate Hairston were expected to compete for the other spot.

Unfortunately, while the others have been able to make their case in practice, Hall has remained on the sideline. For that reason, it’s unlikely we see Hall receive any significant playing time on defense at the beginning of the year.

And depending on the status of his ankle, there’s a chance he might not even be on the active roster come Week 1.

Regardless, Bryce Hall is officially back with the team for now and his status will certainly be worth monitoring going forward.