Jets who have no choice but to step up vs. Bears after Aaron Glenn rules out 4 starters

The injury bug has been biting the New York Jets a bit hard early on in the season, as heading into Week 4's matchup with the Chicago Bears, the team is going to be missing nearly half of its usual offensive starters.

Aaron Glenn ruled out running back Breece Hall, wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, tight end Mason Taylor, and guard Dylan Parham for Sunday's tilt at Soldier Field, four players who would all normally be starting once the Jets take the field.

Instead, New York will need some of their reserve players to step up and play major contributing roles if they have any hope of pulling out the win.

4 New York Jets backups who need to step up vs. Bears

Jordan Meredith, G

This one is pretty obvious, considering he's the primary swing interior offensive lineman on the Jets roster, but New York is going to need a solid outing from Meredith if they hope to protect Geno Smith and run the football.

Meredith left a lot to be desired after coming in for Parham in Week 3. The former Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman played 28 offensive snaps and recorded a Pro Football Focus grade of 45.2. He allowed five pressures and one sack.

Hopefully, with a week of practice under his belt, he'll be able to gel better with the Jets' other starters up front and put out a better outing.

Isaiah Davis, RB

Yes, Braelon Allen is likely to see more touches on Sunday with Hall nursing a quad injury, but the Jets need to get their other running back, Davis, involved too.

In a limited sample size, Davis has been a very productive back in his own right. On 73 career rushing attempts, he boasts an impressive 5.6 yards per carry and could do his best to fill the role left behind by Hall.

As previously mentioned, Allen will probably take the field with the starts on Sunday, but Davis needs to be involved, and Frank Reich should work him into the rotation early and often.

Jeremy Ruckert, TE

With Taylor sidelined in Week 3 against the Detroit Lions, Ruckert stepped in as the Jets' second tight end in their 12 personnel sets and performed admirably well.

While Kenyon Sadiq dazzled with his athletic playmaking ability, Ruckert did the dirty work and still found ways to contribute in the passing game. He recorded career highs in receptions (five) and receiving yards (39), and even hauled in one of Smith's three passing touchdowns.

He'll surely see a larger role again vs. Chicago, and if he plays the same way he did last week, the Jets are in good hands.

Sterling Shepard, WR

The Jets are getting pretty thin at wide receiver, with Mitchell, Omar Cooper Jr., and Tim Patrick all dealing with injuries. Garrett Wilson should get double-digit targets again, but New York needs another receiver to step up and help contribute.

Last week, that was their practice squad vet Shepard, and he ended up playing 46% of the team's offensive snaps vs. the Lions. He's likely in line for a similar workload against the Bears.

He caught one pass for three yards and hauled in a two-point conversion on an insane throw from Smith. His experience as a slot receiver is a valuable presence for the Jets, given all the injuries they're dealing with.

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