Jarvis Brownlee Jr. entering concussion protocol opens door for D'Angelo Ponds

The New York Jets, as banged up as they already are, didn't come out of Week 4's matchup with the Chicago Bears unscathed. Cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and edge Braiden McGregor both exited the game early with injuries.

The New York Daily News' Antwan Staley shared at head coach Aaron Glenn's Monday press conference that McGregor is dealing with a chest injury, while Brownlee is currently in the concussion protocol.

New York is already pretty thin at edge, and if McGregor misses any time, it will leave a position group that is already missing a key contributor, Kingsley Enagbare, stretched even thinner. They could use all the help they can get as it is.

It remains unclear how much time Brownlee will miss with his concussion, but the protocol means he's going to miss, at minimum, a large chunk of practice time this week ahead of the Jets' Week 5 matchup with the Cleveland Browns. It paves the way for D'Angelo Ponds to make up for some lost time in Brownlee's usual starting role.

D'Angelo Ponds likely to see increased usage for the New York Jets

Ponds, the 50th overall pick in this past April's NFL Draft, was envisioned as the Week 1 starting nickel cornerback thanks to his high-level play in his final season with the Indiana Hoosiers last year.

Instead, a nagging calf injury kept the rookie out of all of training camp and preseason, setting his development back. Brownlee, with less competition, took full advantage of the opportunity. He staked his claim to the starting job and didn't let go.

The former Tennessee Titans draft pick hasn't just been a fill-in, though; he's been incredibly solid through the Jets' first four games. He's earned a 70.0 grade from Pro Football Focus, and his coverage grade of 74.0 ranks 12th amongst qualified cornerbacks.

Again, it's entirely possible Brownlee clears concussion protocol in time for Week 5, but with an average recovery time of nine days, Ponds may be in line for his first NFL start this coming Sunday against Cleveland.

After making his debut in Week 3 against the Detroit Lions, Ponds once again played limited snaps on Sunday against the Bears. He recorded three tackles and even had an interception that was nullified by his own holding penalty.

The Jets are going to need all the help they can get against the Browns, who are coming in red-hot, winners of their last three. Hopefully, Ponds will be up to the task.

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