New York Jets Defensive Stars Stop Potential Texans Touchdown Drive

The New York Jets defense came up with the first big play of Thursday’s game against the Houston Texans when they forced and recovered a fumble in the first quarter at MetLife Stadium.

Working from the shotgun, Houston quarterback CJ Stroud dropped back and was sacked by Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams for a loss of six yards. Williams forced the ball from Stroud when New York’s Will McDonald IV recovered the football at the Jets’ 18-yard line. It ended what could have been the Texans’ first scoring drive of the game.

New York nearly gave the ball back to Houston on the next drive, when running back Breece Hall fumbled the ball after running through a huge hole created by its offensive line. Texans linebacker Will Anderson Jr. was injured during the game and had to be helped off the field.

It was a big momentum swing for a Jets team that has struggled to create momentum swings on defense. Earlier in the game, edge rusher Hasson Reddick whiffed on a play that could have led to an easy sack of Stroud. But on Houston’s next possession, Jets cornerback DJ Reed Stroud was able to sack on a corner blitz.

Before the game, the Jets had to make a series of moves to ensure they had the depth to play Thursday’s game.

New York moved wide receiver Allen Lazard to injured reserve with a pectoral injury and removed him from the roster for the next few weeks. The Jets did the same with defensive tackle Leki Fotu, who suffered a knee injury just a week after returning from IR.

The Jets signed offensive lineman Alec Lindstrom and placekicker Riley Patterson to the active roster. Patterson will kick for the Jets on Thursday due to the injury to veteran Greg Zuerlein.

To make room for IR New York’s Yeboah, tight end Anthony Firkser released.

The Jets signed defensive backs Kendall Sheffield and Jarius Monroe from the practice squad for the game and signed defensive end Takk McKinley to the practice squad. McKinley was released by New York when they activated Haason Reddick last Saturday.

New York has declared the following players inactive for the game: safety Tony Adams (hamstring), safety Ashtyn Davis (concussion), guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle), linebacker CJ Mosley (neck), offensive tackle Carter Warren, running back Israel Abanikanda and cornerback Quan’tez Stiggers.

The Texans declared safety Jimmie Ward (groin), center Jarrett Patterson (concussion), running back Dameon Pierce (groin), linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) and cornerback Myles Bryant inactive for the game.