Sterling Shepard just got much more important after Omar Cooper Jr. injured reserve news

New York Jets rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is headed to injured reserve, knocking him out for at least the next four games. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport was the first to report the news. Rapoport added that Cooper is expected to be back after a minimum of four games.

The rookie pass catcher tantalized Jets fans with one 30-yard catch-and-run on the opening drive of Sunday's season-opening victory in Nashville. After being brought down awkwardly within the five-yard line, Cooper exited the game and would not return.

It was revealed earlier this past week that the Indiana standout suffered a high ankle sprain, and the thought was that he would initially dodge a short-term stint on injured reserve. Evidently, that's not the case.

Now, all eyes turn to Sterling Shepard, the veteran wide receiver the Jets signed this past week to replace Cooper while he's injured. The former New York Giants pass catcher just got a lot more important.

Sterling Shepard likely replacement in the slot for injured New York Jets WR Omar Cooper

The Jets signed Shepard to their practice squad on Tuesday, adding a much-needed body to their banged-up wide receiver group.

With Tim Patrick serving his own injured reserve stint recovering from a groin injury, and now Cooper's own issues, the Jets only have four wide receivers on the active roster: Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, Isaiah Williams, and Arian Smith.

Mitchell and Wilson are the most important pieces, obviously, but not having depth is a problem. Williams has shown flashes of being an offensive contributor, but is primarily a return specialist.

Smith, the Jets' 2025 fourth-round draft pick, can hardly be trusted when he's on the field. He has some use on special teams, but shouldn't be on the field for offensive snaps. Having him as your WR4 could be dangerous.

Sterling Shepard will not be elevated for New York Jets matchup vs. Packers

While the Jets are looking incredibly thin at wide receiver, it seems they plan on staying the course heading into their Week 2 home opener against the Green Bay Packers.

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt reported that the Jets elevated kicker Jason Sanders and linebacker Troy Reeder from the practice squad for Week 2, opting to leave their wide receiver room as is.

They'll go into Sunday's game with just four wide receivers. With the weather conditions expected to be wet with heavy rain, it seems the Jets are preparing for a run-heavy game plan, with their tight ends involved in the passing game.

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