Jets who have no choice but to step up vs. Raiders after Aaron Glenn rules out 3 starters

The New York Jets are going to be missing some key pieces in Week 8, as they look to snap a two-game losing skid. It will only be harder without several defenders, two of whom have arguably been their best in 2026.

Head coach Aaron Glenn ruled out defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat and edge Joseph Ossai on Friday, and also tabbed rookie pass rusher David Bailey as doubtful, making the No. 2 overall pick unlikely to play against the Las Vegas Raiders.

With all three of those defenders out of the lineup, which Jets will need to step up and fill in the shoes of those key contributors?

New York Jets who need to step up with 3 starters out

Will McDonald IV, edge

With Bailey out, all eyes turn to 2023 first-round draft pick Will McDonald. He'll likely slide into Bailey's every-down pass-rusher role across from Kingsley Enagbare. Against the Raiders, New York is going to need him to be at the top of his game.

So far in 2026, McDonald is on pace to play the least amount of snaps since his rookie season. He's only played 46% of the Jets' defensive snaps, a step down from the 66% he played in 2024 and 2025.

Well, Sunday will likely be his first major opportunity to showcase his skills as the NFL trade deadline approaches. McDonald has been a hot name in the rumor mill, and if he has a multi-sack game, he may end up bumping up that trade value.

Darrell Jackson Jr., DT

The Jets are going to be missing their top run defender in Sweat, and for a team that is routinely gashed on the ground (24th most yards given up per game in the NFL), he'll be sorely missed. But if anyone is going to try to fill his shoes, it's the rookie defensive tackle.

Jackson, through the first few games of the 2026 season, has recorded a run-stop rate of 11.7%, the highest among rookies so far this year. He'll almost surely see his most reps of the year with Sweat out.

Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty had a lot to say about the Jets' defense this past week, and the Jets need someone to show him up. Maybe Jackson can be that guy.

Nate Lynn, edge

With McDonald sliding into the every-down pass-rushing role that Bailey usually occupies, the Jets will need someone to fill in for McDonald, and that player will likely be preseason star Nate Lynn.

Lynn was signed to the active roster following the season-ending injury to Braiden McGregor and had only made his NFL debut in Week 6 against the New England Patriots. In Week 7, Lynn finally recorded his first sack, getting the only takedown of the day against Malik Willis.

Maybe Lynn can provide some pass-rushing juice to a Jets defense that is sorely lacking it right now. One of the best ways to beat Kirk Cousins is to make him uncomfortable, and Lynn could help in that department.

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