Jets elevate Sterling Shepard and Jamien Sherwood insurance from practice squad ahead of Week 4

With the rash of injuries the New York Jets are currently dealing with, they needed some extra help at certain positions ahead of their Week 4 matchup against the Chicago Bears, and they dug into their practice squad to get it, per Turn on the Jets' Will Parkinson.

Adonai Mitchell was ruled out on Friday, and wide receivers Omar Cooper Jr. and Tim Patrick are currently serving stints on injured reserve. Because of that, for the second straight week, the Jets are elevating veteran wide receiver Sterling Shepard to the game-day roster.

The linebacker position has been a point of contention over the last few weeks for New York. Demario Davis has been great, but his running mate, Jamien Sherwood, has had his 2025 struggles rear their ugly head early for this Jets defense. As some extra insurance, Jaden Keller will be active in Week 4.

Sterling Shepard a valuable veteran WR presence for New York Jets

With how thin the Jets are at wide receiver, Shepard is about as close as the Jets are going to get to having an adult at the position other than Garrett Wilson. As fun as Isaiah Williams can be as a returner and gadget player, he's not suited to be a full-time piece on offense.

At least with Shepard, you know without a doubt he'll be in the right place at the right time and has a chance to make a play when the team needs it. He proved that last week when he miraculously hauled in a Geno Smith pass for a two-point conversion to tie the game against the Detroit Lions late in the fourth quarter.

The longtime New York Giants fan favorite only hauled in one other pass on the day, but he was on the field for 46% of the offensive snaps, and he may end up seeing more on Sunday against Chicago.

Jamien Sherwood may have a short leash against the Bears

When the Jets signed Davis in free agency this past spring, they hoped it would help take some of the pressure off Sherwood and allow him to play his more natural weak-side linebacker position that he flourished in under Robert Saleh.

Through three games, that has not been the case. Sherwood has been a prime target for opposing offenses, particularly in the passing game. Against the Lions last Sunday, the former safety turned linebacker allowed nine catches on 10 targets for 127 yards.

If his struggles persist, we may end up seeing Glenn insert either Troy Reeder or Keller into the mix to see if they can bring some more stability at linebacker. Sherwood is running out of time to prove he belongs in the starting lineup.

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