Jets rookie could get surprise chance to shine after latest injury

The New York Jets released their final injury report on Friday ahead of the team's Week 6 clash with the Denver Broncos this weekend, and a surprising new name was added to the list.

Cornerback Brandon Stephens was a late addition to the injury report with a neck issue after being limited in Friday’s practice. The severity remains unclear, but seeing a starter surface with a new injury this late in the week is never a good sign.

Stephens has officially been listed as questionable for Sunday's game, which could be a significant loss to the Jets' secondary, especially given that the big-ticket free-agent signing has played well over the last few weeks.

But when one door closes in the NFL, another opens. Stephens' injury could set the stage for rookie Azareye'h Thomas to make his starting debut in London this weekend.

Jets might turn to Azareye'h Thomas after the Brandon Stephens injury

The Jets signed Stephens to a three-year, $36 million contract this offseason, making him the team's biggest free-agent addition outside of quarterback Justin Fields. The contract was widely criticized at the time, given Stephens' performance over the last two years in Baltimore.

But despite a concerning start to his Jets career, Stephens has quietly been a solid starting-caliber cornerback over the last few weeks. He's posted consecutive Pro Football Focus coverage grades of 76.0+ in each of his last two games, while racking up a whopping 10 run stops since Week 3.

The Jets have benefited from Stephens' physicality on defense, even if he obviously hasn't been perfect. Still, many Jets fans have been desperate to get an extended look at Thomas, and this could be his golden opportunity.

Thomas was selected by the Jets in the third round of this year's draft in what the team referred to as a "best player available" pick. With Sauce Gardner and Stephens already in the picture, many questioned how the Jets would find ways to get Thomas on the field.

The Florida State has played just 15 defensive snaps this season and has mostly been relegated to special teams. That could be set to change on Sunday, however.

Thomas has impressed in very limited snaps for the Jets so far this season, posting a 76.4 PFF coverage grade when he was briefly forced into action following an injury to Gardner in Week 3. He was targeted twice on just six coverage snaps, allowing zero receptions.

It remains to be seen just how serious Stephens’ injury is, but any chance for the Jets’ rookie cornerback to step into a larger role will be welcomed by fans — even if it comes under unfortunate circumstances.