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Two Jets prized rookies who have spent the majority of training camp recovering from injuries are on track to play in Week 1. Selected within the top-50 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Jets were elated to leave the NFL Draft with tight end Kenyon Sadiq and cornerback D’Angelo Ponds. Both players were praised for their performance last season, with Sadiq’s great season at Oregon and Ponds’ contributions to help Indiana win the National Championship. Unfortunately, both men began their first NFL training camp recovering from injuries. The 16th overall pick, Kenyon Sadiq, spent the summer rehabilitating from hernia surgery but has been practicing in individual drills. Meanwhile, 50th overall pick D’Angelo Ponds has been recovering from a calf strain. Neither man was available to play in the first two preseason games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers. With time running out, there was fear that neither could be prepared in time to play Week 1 vs. the Tennessee Titans on September 13th. However, recent reports indicate both recoveries are going as scheduled, and both Sadiq & Ponds should be healthy enough to play in the season opener. #Jets injury update today, via Aaron Glenn: CBs Nahshon Wright and Qwan'tez Stiggers returned to practice on a limited basis. Ditto, LB Kiko Mauigoa ED Joseph Ossai, ED Kingsley Enagbare and DT T'Vondre Sweat increased to full practice. RB Breece Hall, TE Kenyon Sadiq, CB… — Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 24, 2026 Two Jets Prized Rookies Are on Track to Be Ready for Week 1 Entering the spring, the New York Jets managed to do a fantastic job during the NFL Draft. During the draft, New York used four picks within the top-50 to land four Jets prized rookies. With the second overall pick, New York selected arguably the top outside linebacker/edge rusher, David Bailey, out of Texas Tech. The Red Raider edge rusher was crucial to helping Texas Tech reach the College Football Playoff last January. In addition, New York used their second first-round pick to draft Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Finally, New York successfully traded up three spots with the San Francisco 49ers to select Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. with the 30th overall pick. Finally, on day two of the draft, the Jets drafted Cooper Jr.’s college teammate, cornerback D’Angelo Ponds, at 50th overall. It was a great April for Jets general manager Darren Mougey. New York added two Jets prized rookies on both sides of the ball with four premium picks. The duo of Sadiq and Cooper will be perfect complements to the passing game alongside Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, and Mason Taylor. Meanwhile, David Bailey and D’Angelo Ponds will bring explosiveness and pressure to help New York generate both sacks and turnovers. Unfortunately, two of the four Jets prized rookies would have to wait for their turns as they recover from offseason injuries. Kenyon Sadiq is working his way back from hernia surgery he underwent back in May. Meanwhile, Ponds has been recuperating from a calf strain he suffered early in camp. An unfortunate start to both men’s NFL careers. However, their luck is about to turn for the better. Aaron Glenn says that Sadiq and Ponds are both on track to play Week 1 On Monday, New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn spoke to the press to provide updates on the recovery of certain injured players. ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported that Glenn stated that rookies Kenyon Sadiq and D’Angelo Ponds, along with star running back Breece Hall, are all on track to return and play in Week 1’s game vs. the Tennessee Titans. This is great news for the team as they look to get off to a strong start to 2026. The return of two of the Jets prized rookies bodes well for their chances. Especially for Sadiq to return and play a considerable role in a Jets offense that looks to become more dynamic in the air. During the Jets 17-0 preseason win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, fans got a preview of Frank Reich’s offense for the first time with the starters, sans Breece Hall. New York led a flawless 10-play, 69-yard touchdown drive in just under six minutes. It was starting quarterback Geno Smith’s first drive of the preseason after he was a late scratch from the preseason opener vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 14-year veteran went seven-for-seven for 65 yards on the drive, targeting six different receivers. The drive was capped off with a 13-yard touchdown pass to four-year veteran tight end Jelani Woods. Kenyon Sadiq 51 REC, 560 YDS, 8 Total TDs 2025 Season Highlights.pic.twitter.com/HZShetmo2p https://t.co/U4KGB9p3Ps — Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) February 16, 2026 Kenyon Sadiq’s impact as a receiver can provide New York with a great dynamic alongside second-year tight end Mason Taylor. While slightly smaller than traditional tight ends (6’3″, 245lb), Sadiq has a developed and calculated route tree and explosiveness that allows him to create separation and gain more yards after the catch. In addition, his sub-4.4-second 40-yard time will make him a nightmare for safeties to cover. When D'Angelo Ponds had a pick-6 on the 1st play of the game vs Oregon in the Peach Bowl #IUFB pic.twitter.com/7MDGzoER33 — Back Then Football (@BackThenFB) August 12, 2026 As for Ponds, after New York failed to secure a single interception through a full 17-game season, New York will appreciate the fury and ball-tracking abilities he demonstrates when in coverage. His 5’9″, 180lb frame turned away some scouts; New York wasn’t concerned with how he finishes tackles and diagnoses running plays to still track down the ball carrier. In fact, Kenyon Sadiq witnessed D’Angelo Ponds’ skill set himself after the ex-Hoosiers cornerback started the Peach Bowl with a pick-six touchdown after intercepting Oregon quarterback Dante Moore’s pass on the first play of the game. More New York Jets News - Jets Coach Delivers Defiant Response To Controversial $34.5 Million Gamble - Jets Going Slow With Omar Cooper Jr. And That’s Okay - Jets Running Back Suffers Groin Strain During Practice - Jets Gain Reinforcements With T’Vondre Sweat Returning Main Photo: [John Jones] – Reuters Connect