Jets may need someone to step up at tight end

The tight end group for the Jets has shown modest promise in the offseason, but Jordan Leggett has a strained foot and Jason Vander Laan is dealing with a pec/shoulder injury. If neither has recovered in time for the start of the season, then that leaves a huge hole in the depth chart with Austin Seferian-Jenkins also suspended for the first two games.

The only healthy tight end that was expected to make it onto the roster is Eric Tomlinson, a blocking specialist who played in seven games last year, starting five. Tomlinson caught five passes in his first ever preseason game back in 2015, but has just two catches for 10 yards in 16 preseason and regular season appearances since then.

Vander Laan looked like a good bet to make the roster, at least until Seferian-Jenkins returned, but if these injuries persist then Chris Gragg has a chance to be the next man up. Gragg has 24 career catches at the NFL level but missed all of last year with an ACL tear and hasn't done anything so far in preseason.

The only other tight end on the roster is undrafted rookie Brandon Barnes, who has only been with the team for a few days. Alternatives might include moving Anthony Firkser back to his college position, adding someone off the waiver wire at the last moment or employing six-man lines on offense.

Keep an eye on the tight ends (other than Seferian-Jenkins) tonight because their could be a role up for grabs.