NY Jets: What the Jamison Crowder absence means for the offense

The NY Jets will be without one of their top wide receivers on Sunday as Jamison Crowder has officially been ruled out, according to head coach Robert Saleh.

Saleh spoke to the media on Friday and revealed that Crowder would not be activated off the COVID-19 list prior to Sunday's game. Crowder has been sidelined for the past week after he tested positive for COVID-19.

There was originally some optimism, given his vaccination status, that he would be able to return in time for the season opener. But unfortunately, that won't be the case.

The Jets might also be without wide receiver Keelan Cole as he's dealing with a knee injury he suffered during practice this week. Saleh said that Cole would be a game-time decision.

What will the NY Jets offense look like without Jamison Crowder?

Crowder agreed to a restructured contract this offseason in order to stay on the team. That restructured deal is indicative of the role that Crowder will play in 2021.

Despite being the team's leading receiver in each of the last two seasons, Crowder will likely take a backseat role this year. The Jets added a number of wide receivers this offseason that will push Crowder for playing time.

None more significant than second-round pick Elijah Moore.

Moore turned heads this summer and was arguably the Jets' most dominant player in training camp. However, a quad injury cut his summer short and prevented him from playing at all in the preseason.

Still, the Jets have high hopes for Moore and believe he could be a superstar in the making. He was already set to play a prominent role in Week 1, but with Crowder out, he could be relied on even more.

The Jets will use Moore all over the offense both on the outside and in the slot. But at least for this week, he might see more snaps in the slot with Crowder and possibly Cole, who has experience playing slot receiver, sidelined.

If Cole can play, he figures to play a sizable role as well given his experience in the slot. The same is true for Braxton Berrios who saw considerable playing time last year. If the Jets want to keep Moore on the outside, Berrios might get the call as the starting slot.

We could also see more of Denzel Mims and Jeff Smith who will probably both be active for this game, especially if Cole can't suit up. Don't rule out a game-day practice squad elevation of a player like Vyncint Smith or even D.J. Montgomery either.

The Jets have enough wide receiver depth to make up for the loss of Crowder. That depth will be put to the test this Sunday