Jets Activate Tim Patrick Before Browns Game

Tim Patrick is back. The Jets activated the veteran wide receiver from injured reserve on Saturday ahead of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns, a person familiar with the move told the Associated Press. Patrick had been on IR since the start of the season with a groin injury.

The timing could not be better for New York. The Jets are trying to snap a three-game losing streak, and their receiver room is a mess. Adonai Mitchell was ruled out Friday for a third straight game with a finger injury, and rookie Omar Cooper Jr. is on IR with an ankle injury, per the AP.

How the Jets made room

Patrick had to miss at least the first four games under league rules. His 21-day practice window opened Wednesday, and he was a full participant all week, according to the AP.

To open a spot, the Jets waived wide receiver Jamaal Pritchett, an undrafted speedster out of South Alabama who made his NFL debut two weeks ago in Detroit with a 27-yard kickoff return. They also elevated undrafted rookie linebacker Jaden Keller from the practice squad for the second time this season, per the AP and Heavy.

What Patrick brings

Patrick is 32, stands 6-foot-5 and gives Geno Smith a big body on the outside, which is exactly what this offense has been missing with Mitchell out, per Heavy. He has 191 career catches for 2,590 yards and 18 touchdowns in 87 games.

He signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Jets in May after catching 15 passes for 187 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games with Jacksonville last season. There is familiarity here too. Patrick spent his first four NFL seasons in Denver, where current Jets general manager Darren Mougey worked in the front office, and he played the 2024 season in Detroit when Aaron Glenn was the Lions' defensive coordinator, per the AP.

Who else is out Sunday

Patrick was listed as questionable on Friday's report before the move. The Jets are still without running back Breece Hall (quad), offensive lineman Dylan Parham (knee) and linebacker Francisco Mauigoa (quad), per NFL.com.

Cleveland is banged up as well. The Browns ruled out quarterback Dillon Gabriel (back), defensive tackle Mason Graham (knee/ankle) and tight end Carsen Ryan (calf), among others.

Patrick is not going to become a 100-yard guy overnight after a month on the shelf, but a reliable target on third down and in the red zone is a big deal for a team that has been short on both.

Fantasy managers in deep leagues can keep an eye on his snap count, but this is mostly about Smith finally having someone big to throw to.

Three straight losses, a home game against a Browns team without Dillon Gabriel, and a familiar face back on the field. If the Jets cannot win this one, the season gets heavy fast.