When the Jets signed Dalvin Cook last week, the team’s running backs room suddenly got a little crowded.
Their preseason game against the Buccaneers on Saturday night opened a little window into the Jets’ thinking regarding who may be in jeopardy of getting cut.
Michael Carter, the team’s 2021 fourth-round pick, did not suit up for the game, indicating the Jets feel good about where he is at and did not feel the need to evaluate him.
Zonovan “Bam” Knight got a heavy workload against the Buccaneers, but he did not perform well in the Jets’ 13-6 loss at MetLife Stadium.
Knight had eight carries for 33 yards and a fumble. He also caught three passes for 20 yards but had a drop.
Knight said he can’t be worried about how Cook’s arrival affects him.
“That’s one of those things I can’t really control,” Knight said. “The only thing I can control is how I go out there and perform. I try not to let that impact me as far as my play on the field, my performance. It’s just a day-to-day thing. I know I have to come in every day and continue to work.”
Knight could be the odd man out when cuts come down in a week.
The Jets have Cook and Breece Hall at the top of the depth chart.
They drafted Israel Abanikanda in the fifth round this year, and he is not going anywhere, though he left the game with a thigh contusion.
That leaves Carter and Knight likely fighting for one spot.
It felt as if Carter took the lead in that competition on Saturday, even without playing.
The Jets’ starting offensive line featured four players who may not be in the starting lineup when the regular season opens.
Max Mitchell started at left tackle, with rookie Joe Tippmann at left guard, Connor McGovern at center, Wes Schweitzer at right guard and Billy Turner at right tackle.
Only McGovern seems like a safe bet to start the season.
The Jets are hoping tackle Duane Brown will come off of the physically unable to perform list this week and be able to get ready for Week 1 against the Bills.
Starting guards Laken Tomlinson (leg) and Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) are both dealing with injuries, but head coach Robert Saleh has said they are day-to-day.
Right tackle is up for grabs, but Mekhi Becton may be the one who ends up starting.
He played there on Saturday night, entering the game in the second quarter and playing through the third quarter.
Becton figures to get first-team reps this week, and he may be able to take the job from Mitchell and Turner, who have had underwhelming training camps.
Rookie WR Jason Brownlee had a good game, with four catches for 50 yards.
Brownlee is competing for the sixth wide receiver job. … Safety Ashtyn Davis had three tackles for loss, making his case for a roster spot.
DE Bryce Huff had a strip-sack, continuing his strong camp. … Tippmann (knee) and TE Kenny Yeboah (hamstring) also were injured. Saleh said they would all be evaluated Sunday.
Saleh said he has not decided whether QB Aaron Rodgers will play in the preseason finale next Saturday against the Giants.
