Jets rookie receives golden opportunity after surprise injury news

The New York Jets will be making a change to their starting secondary in Week 3, although it won't come under the circumstances many were expecting. Safety Tony Adams won't be in the starting lineup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, providing rookie Malachi Moore with a golden opportunity.

The Jets ruled Adams out with a hip injury on Saturday, paving the way for the rookie safety to make his debut as an NFL starter. Adams was initially listed as questionable after returning to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday and was seemingly on track to play this week.

He joins five other Jets players who have also been ruled out for Week 3: QB Justin Fields (concussion), DE Jermaine Johnson (ankle), RB/KR Kene Nwangwu (hamstring), WR Josh Reynolds (hamstring), and DT Jay Tufele (illness).

Many were expecting the Jets to eventually give Moore a chance with the first-team defense, especially given Adams' struggles to start the season. That chance will be coming a bit sooner than anticipated.

Jets give Malachi Moore a chance to start after Tony Adams injury

The Jets selected Moore in the fourth round of this year's NFL Draft with the expectation that he would play a key role in their defense sooner rather than later. A strong preseason performance only heightened cries from the fan base to get the rookie on the field.

The Alabama product played just one defensive snap in the Jets' season-opener, but was quickly thrust into action the following week following injuries to both Adams and nickel cornerback Michael Carter II.

Moore played 48 total defensive snaps in Week 2, finishing with four tackles while allowing one catch for 12 yards in coverage. He earned a respectable 61.4 Pro Football Focus grade and, more importantly, didn't come across as the same liability that Adams has been for the Jets.

Through two weeks, Adams' lowly 40.6 PFF grade ranks 70th out of 74 qualified safeties. He's missed over 15% of his tackle attempts, allowing four catches for 60 yards in coverage. He's been one of the worst safeties in the NFL in a limited sample size this season.

It's unclear how much time Adams will miss due to his hip injury, but his ability to practice Thursday and Friday suggests a swift return is likely. However, if Moore seizes this opportunity and impresses, Adams might find himself fighting to reclaim his starting role.

Malachi Moore has an opportunity to solidify himself as a fixture of the Jets' defense moving forward. Week 3 is his audition for a permanent role.

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