Denzel Mims has been waiting for his opportunity with the Jets, and he finally may get one Sunday in Denver.
Head coach Robert Saleh said the little-used receiver will be active for the first time this season against the Broncos, as a replacement for fellow receiver Elijah Moore, who on Thursday requested a trade and will sit out the game.
Mims also asked for a trade in August, but the Jets did not oblige the third-year receiver’s request. Instead, they made him a healthy scratch for their first six games. Both Mims and Moore have been unhappy with their lack of involvement in the offense during their careers with the Jets.
“He’s been coming in and working. He’s putting in his work,” Saleh said of Mims before practice Friday. “He’s been running the scout team, he’s been getting extra reps with the team, so he’s prepared to play. He’s prepared himself to play, and he’s going to get his opportunity.”
How much of an opportunity Mims will get this week remains uncertain. Saleh would not commit to him being in the starting lineup. Corey Davis, Garrett Wilson, Braxton Berrios, and probably Jeff Smith, remain ahead of Mims on the depth chart.
Mims, who declined to speak with the media Friday, had only eight receptions for 133 yards in 11 games last season.
Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson has been limited in practice this week with a hamstring issue. He is expected to be a game-time decision, but Saleh said he’s “fully expecting” Wilson will play.
“Ultimate competitor,” Saleh said. “There’s no way he’s going to let whatever is ailing him [to keep him out]. He’s got to be pretty broken to not play. So, fully expecting him to play.”
DE Jermaine Johnson (ankle) remains out for the Jets and S Ashtyn Davis (hamstring) will be a game-time decision, according to Saleh.
The Jets hosted 12-year NFL veteran DT Linval Joseph, who played for the Giants from 2010-13, on a visit Friday. He appeared in 14 games for the Chargers last season.
