NY Jets vs. Patriots inactives: Will McDonald returns after healthy scratch

The NY Jets are preparing for what is, quite honestly, one of their most important games of the season. It may only be Week 3, but today's game against the New England Patriots feels like a must-win for so many reasons.

The Jets are looking to snap a 14-game losing streak against their division rivals — a streak that extends eight years. They're looking to improve to 2-1 on the season and 2-0 in the division, with matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles coming up soon.

The entire tone of the Jets' 2023 season could be set today. A win puts them in a great spot to survive the early-season gauntlet and allow them to compete for a playoff spot. A loss could send the team spiraling, especially with a primetime showdown with the Chiefs next Sunday.

With kickoff happening in less than two years, here is a quick look at each of the teams' lists of inactive players.

NY Jets inactives

• RB Israel Abanikanda
• S Tony Adams
• WR Jason Brownlee
• LB Zaire Barnes
• CB Bryce Hall
• OL Wes Schweitzer

New England Patriots inactives

• CB Jonathan Jones
• OT Sidy Sowe
• OT Tyrone Wheatley
• WR Kayshon Boutte
• QB Will Grier (emergency third QB)

Rookie first-round pick Will McDonald is active this week after he was a healthy scratch in Week 2. This means the Jets will be dressing all 10 of their defensive linemen, leaving their secondary very thin.

The only backup secondary players the Jets have today are cornerback Brandin Echols and safety Ashtyn Davis (plus special teamer Justin Hardee). That could be an issue if one or two players suffer injuries.

Starting safety Tony Adams is inactive due to a hamstring injury. Veteran Adrian Amos will start in his place. Backup guard Wes Schweitzer suffered a concussion in practice this week and is out as well.

The remaining inactives, Israel Abanikanda, Jason Brownlee, Zaire Barnes, and Bryce Hall, are all healthy scratches. This is the first inactive appearance for Hall, as McDonald essentially takes his place.