Jets Elevate Jason Sanders, Place Tim Patrick on Injured Reserve

We mentioned it the other day, but the New York Jets made their kicking decision official on Saturday, elevating Jason Sanders from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s season opener against the Tennessee Titans. The team also announced that veteran wide receiver Tim Patrick has been placed on injured reserve. The moves were announced by the Jets on Saturday, one day after head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed that Sanders would handle the kicking duties in Week 1.

Jason Sanders Gets the Week 1 Opportunity

Glenn said Friday that Sanders would kick against Tennessee, but also made it clear that the competition with Blake Grupe isn’t necessarily over. Sanders has the advantage of having spent considerably more time working with long snapper Thomas Hennessy and holder Austin McNamara. Grupe joined the Jets less than two weeks ago after being claimed off waivers.

The Jets initially signed Sanders in June after he missed the entire 2025 season with a hip injury. He competed with Cade York throughout training camp and the preseason, eventually winning that competition before the Jets surprisingly added Grupe at the end of August.

Sanders was released and subsequently added to the practice squad, but he will now get the first opportunity to kick in a regular season game. As the Jets noted in their announcement, Sanders brings an extensive track record from his time with Miami:

“His 84.6% field-goal percentage is the highest (minimum 50 attempts) in team annals, and his 221 field goals are second only to Olindo Mare.”

Sanders also made 27 consecutive field goals during the 2024 season and connected on nine straight attempts from 50 yards or longer. We covered Glenn’s comments and the ongoing kicking competition earlier this week when he announced that Jason Sanders would kick against the Titans.

Tim Patrick Heads to Injured Reserve

The more significant long-term roster news involves Tim Patrick. The veteran wide receiver had already been ruled out of the Tennessee game because of a groin injury, but his move to injured reserve means the Jets will be without him beyond Week 1. Patrick signed with the Jets in March after spending last season with Jacksonville. He appeared in 16 games for the Jaguars, catching 15 passes for 187 yards and three touchdowns.

At 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, Patrick was brought in to give the Jets a veteran, physical option at wide receiver. He also played a significant role for Detroit in 2024, finishing that season with 33 receptions for 394 yards and three touchdowns.

His absence puts more pressure on the rest of the Jets wide receiver room as the regular season begins, particularly with Garrett Wilson leading a group that includes Adonai Mitchell, Isaiah Williams, Arian Smith and rookie Omar Cooper Jr.

Jets Ready for Week 1 in Tennessee

With Sanders elevated and Patrick headed to injured reserve, the team has made their final Jets roster adjustments before Sunday’s opener in Nashville. Now Sanders gets the first chance to settle a kicking competition that has taken several twists since training camp. Glenn has stopped short of declaring the competition over, so Sunday’s performance could go a long way toward determining whether Sanders keeps the job going forward.

All that is left is for the Jets to announce their inactive players before the game. The Jets and Titans kick off Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Nissan Stadium.

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