Aaron Glenn explains Kenyon Sadiq’s unexpected absence from Jets practice

New York Jets fans were in for a surprise this morning when The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt, in attendence of Monday' training camp practice, revealed rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq was not participating in individual drills.

Sadiq participated in all of rookie minicamp earlier in the offseason, but then missed OTAs due to hernia surgery. Head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed in late May that the injury was something he dealt with during his time at Oregon, and the team knew about it during the pre-draft process.

"We knew about (the injury) going through his last year of college, and he dealt with during rookie minicamp," Glenn told reporters.

It seems the rehabilitation process from that injury isn't over yet, as Sadiq's recovery bleeds into the start of training camp.

Kenyon Sadiq on a maintenence program per New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn

After practice, Glenn met with reporters and revealed that Sadiq is currently on a "maintenance program" as he recovers from his hernia surgery.

"It was a rest day for TE Kenyon Sadiq. He’s on a maintenance program after offseason surgery," wrote ESPN's Rich Cimini in a post on X. "After three practice days, they wanted to give him an off day, per Glenn."

It's a smart plan for the Jets' first-round draft pick, who expects to play a key role for the Jets' offense in 2026.

New York needs him healthy for the start of the regular season, and the best way to do that is to ensure he gets the rest he needs as he recovers from his injury.

As Cimini notes, Glenn wanted Sadiq to get some rest after three practice days, indicating the team plan could be three days on, one day off for the early portions of training camp.

Kenyon Sadiq's absence prime opportunity for Mason Taylor at New York Jets camp

With Sadiq out, it gives another Jets tight end the perfect opportunity to ingratiate himself with the team and their new offense under Frank Reich.

Tight end Mason Taylor, who was the Jets' second-round draft choice just last year, is likely competing with Sadiq for reps and targets throughout training camp. But with these injuries to the rookie, Taylor seems to be getting a head start.

Now, both players should see plenty of time on the field come the start of the season. Reich is famous for his 12-personnel usage, with heavy double tight ends.

But each player has a different skill set for the Jets offense to utilize, and it should only make them more dangerous on Sundays.

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