Jets inactives list for Week 1 game vs Titans (D'Angelo Ponds status revealed)

The wait is over, Jets fans. The New York Jets will return to the gridiron to play their first regular-season football game in 252 days — and their first of actual significance in much longer than that.

The Jets have traveled down to Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN, to take on Robert Saleh and his band of misfit former Jets in what promises to be one of the more highly anticipated matchups of the NFL's opening week.

Neither team enters this season with delusions of grandeur. Both the Jets and Titans are simply hoping to show tangible progress following disastrous 2025 seasons that saw each team win just three games.

For the Titans, they hope young QB Cam Ward can take another step forward and that Saleh can breathe new life into the organization. The Jets, meanwhile, are hoping Geno Smith can provide stability and competency at the quarterback position and that Aaron Glenn can prove he's the right guy to keep around entering 2027.

Both the Jets and Titans will be without key players in Sunday's opener. The Jets have already ruled out edge rusher Joseph Ossai (foot) and running back/return specialist Kene Nwangwu (back), while cornerback D'Angelo Ponds (calf) is listed as doubtful. Wide receiver Tim Patrick (groin) was placed on IR on Saturday, sidelining him for a minimum of four games.

The Titans have ruled out starting linebacker Cedric Gray, who suffered a concussion in an off-field accident earlier this week. Gray is the only notable absence for Tennessee, but he's an important one.

Who are the official inactives for both the Jets and the Titans today? We've got you covered.

Full inactives list for New York Jets in Week 1

• OLB Joseph Ossai
• RB Kene Nwangwu
• CB D'Angelo Ponds
• K Blake Grupe
• LB Trevin Wallace

The Jets will be without starting edge rusher Joseph Ossai, who injured his foot in the team's preseason finale. Ossai is considered week-to-week, according to Aaron Glenn, but the fact that he wasn't placed on IR suggests he should be back by Week 4 at the latest.

Expect increased snaps for David Bailey, Kingsley Enagbare, and Will McDonald, with Braiden McGregor active as the team's fourth edge rusher.

Starting kick returner and backup running back Kene Nwangwu is inactive after suffering a back injury in Thursday's practice. The Jets could turn to Isaiah Davis or even Arian Smith as the second kick returner opposite Isaiah Williams.

Rookie cornerback D'Angelo Ponds is inactive with a calf injury. Ponds was limited in practice all week but was unable to log a full practice, and while the Jets insist they're happy with the progress he's made, they want him to get additional reps under his belt before he's thrust into game action. Ponds has not practiced fully since late July.

The Jets are expected to deploy the likes of Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick as their slot defenders, with Brandon Stephens and Azareye'h Thomas penciled in as the starting outside cornerbacks.

Kicker Blake Grupe is inactive after the Jets elevated Jason Sanders from their practice squad to kick in today's game. The Jets claimed Grupe off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts, but he was unable to beat out Sanders in practice.

Backup linebacker Trevin Wallace is the other Jets healthy scratch. Wallace was claimed off waivers from the Carolina Panthers following final roster cuts, but he's the lowest linebacker on the pecking order as he continues to acclimate himself to his new team.

Full inactives list for Tennessee Titans in Week 1

• LB Cedric Gray
• RB Nick Singleton
• LB Owen Pappoe
• CB Jaylon Jones
• OG Atonio Mafi
• OT Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson
• DT Jackie Marshall

The Titans will be without third-year linebacker Cedric Gray after he sustained a concussion and minor injuries in a UTV accident over Labor Day weekend. Gray's absence is a significant blow to Tennessee's defense.

The former North Carolina standout finished 2025 as PFF's second-highest-graded run-defending linebacker in the NFL (92.7). Expect to see James Williams Sr. and rookie Anthony Hill Jr. fill in alongside veteran Cody Barton with Gray sidelined.

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