Family drama takes center stage for Jets rookie in Week 5 showdown

Family ties will take center stage when the New York Jets take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. Rookie cornerback Azareye’h Thomas likely won’t see much action for the Jets’ defense, but Sunday’s matchup will still be a special one, as his older brother will be lining up on the other sideline.

And not only will he be lining up, Juanyeh Thomas, the older brother of the Jets' rookie cornerback, is expected to start for the Cowboys today after Dallas placed starting safety Malik Hooker on the injured reserve with a toe injury.

Sunday's game will mark the first time the two brothers will share an NFL field, a moment made even more meaningful given their paths to this point

Juanyeh, who joined Dallas as an undrafted free agent in 2022, has worked his way into a key reserve role in the Cowboys’ secondary. Azareye’h, a third-round pick of the Jets this past April, is just beginning his professional journey, but Sunday’s family clash will be one to remember.

Azareye'h Thomas will face his brother in the Jets' Week 5 game against the Cowboys

Unlike his brother, Jets fans probably shouldn't expect Azareye'h Thomas to play much in today's game. The Florida State product has suited up for all four Jets games this season, but he wasn't on the field for a single defensive snap in Week 4.

Thomas is buried on the depth chart behind starters Sauce Gardner and Brandon Stephens. Even with Michael Carter II sidelined, new addition Jarvis Brownlee Jr. is expected to step in as the team's starting nickel corner. Thomas will be relegated to special teams again, along with fellow backup Qwan'tez Stiggers.

The same can't be said for his older brother, however. Juanyeh Thomas is slated to start only the second game of his NFL career and his first since 2023. The former Georgia Tech standout played 51 defensive snaps in last week's thrilling tie against the Green Bay Packers.

The two brothers have been exchanging playful jabs and heartfelt messages on social media all week, with the Jets' rookie posting that today's game will be "etched in history forever." He also referred to his older brother as "mama's least favorite child" earlier in the week.

Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium adds a personal twist for the Thomas family. Azareye’h will be on the Jets’ sideline while his brother Juanyeh lines up as a starting safety for the Cowboys. It’s a rare NFL matchup between brothers, and a moment neither will forget.

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