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The New York Jets saw their losing streak extend to four games after a 35-12 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. Despite the lopsided score, the team managed to avoid any major injuries during the contest, a small silver lining in an otherwise disappointing season that has been plagued by key players missing time.
As the Jets look ahead to their Week 10 matchup with the Buffalo Bills, here is a breakdown of which injured players could return and which ones might be sidelined.
Jets Who Could Return in Week 10
Garrett Wilson, WR – The Jets' passing attack struggled mightily without their star receiver against Kansas City. Wilson, a five-year veteran, was placed in the concussion protocol after absorbing a hit to the head on the second-to-last play of New York's Week 8 loss to the Raiders. Without him, the offense failed to generate consistent separation, though Omar Cooper Jr. did post a season-high eight receptions on nine targets, many of which were screen passes. ESPN's Rich Cimini reported on Wednesday that Wilson has returned to practice in a limited capacity. While this doesn't ensure he'll play on Sunday, it's an encouraging sign for his recovery.
Joseph Ossai, OLB – Ossai's season has been derailed by injuries. A ruptured plantar fascia cost him the first two games, and an ankle sprain in Week 5 against the Browns has kept him out for the last four weeks. Although he missed last week's game against Kansas City, he practiced in a limited role leading up to it, indicating he's close to returning. If he can be a full participant in Thursday's or Friday's practice, he should be expected to suit up against Buffalo. However, Ossai will need to step up his performance, as he's been underwhelming in limited action. In three games (107 defensive snaps), he has recorded nine total tackles and zero pressures, earning a career-low 50.9 pass-rush grade and 54.3 run-defense grade, per Pro Football Focus. The Jets will need him to turn things around, especially against a Bills offensive line that has allowed just 17 sacks.
VJ Payne, S – With Andre Cisco traded to the Lions on Monday, Payne has an opportunity to fill the backup safety role behind Dane Belton and Minkah Fitzpatrick. The 2026 sixth-round pick, who had been on injured reserve with a significant bone bruise since Aug. 30, opened his 21-day practice window last Wednesday and was a full participant in all three practices. The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt reported that Payne was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, suggesting he is trending toward making his NFL debut against Buffalo. However, the Jets must officially activate him to the 53-man roster before he can play. If he does suit up, expect him to contribute primarily on special teams, though he could earn a rotational role as the season progresses if New York continues to lose.
Jets Who Could Miss Week 10
Harrison Phillips, DT – Phillips missed last Wednesday's and Thursday's practices with an ankle injury and seemed headed toward being ruled out for Week 9. However, he was a full participant on Friday and ultimately played, recording one tackle in a season-low 27 snaps. According to Jets website reporter Eric Allen, Phillips did not participate in Wednesday's walk-through. While this doesn't rule him out for Sunday, it indicates he's still dealing with the injury. If he logs another full participation on Friday, there's a good chance he plays.
Trevin Wallace, LB – Wallace was the only other player to miss Wednesday's walk-through, as he deals with a groin injury. He was limited in last Wednesday's practice but did not participate in the following two sessions and was ruled out for the Chiefs game. The 23-year-old has been a key member of New York's special teams, logging three total tackles and earning a 63.9 special teams grade. With no clear timeline for his return, the team is expected to be cautious and ease his workload in practice before clearing him to play.
David Onyemata, DL – Onyemata was placed on injured reserve after suffering a groin injury in Week 2's loss to the Packers. The 11-year veteran underwent core muscle surgery and wasn't initially expected to return until December, but Rosenblatt reported last Friday that Onyemata was at practice working with trainers. While this is an encouraging step, it doesn't mean he's close to playing. He'll have to clear several hurdles before New York inserts him back into the lineup. Fourth-round pick Darrell Jackson Jr. has performed well in his absence and has shown potential to become a key rotational player.
Jets Who Are Out Long Term
The Jets have a lengthy list of players on injured reserve. Kingsley Jonathan, Kiko Mauigoa (quad), Marcelino McCrary-Ball (ankle), Max Mitchell (head/concussion), and T'Vondre Sweat (knee) are all candidates to return this season. However, Braiden McGregor (torn pectoral), Arian Smith (torn ACL), and Chip Trayanum (neck) will not play again this year.