Malachi Moore still expected to have big Jets role

Tony Adams’ return from a hip injury after missing the Jets’ loss to the Buccaneers doesn’t mean rookie Malachi Moore will immediately return to the bench. 

While it is uncertain if that means Moore will remain the team’s starting strong safety or the disappointing Adams will replace him, coach Aaron Glenn said the fourth-round pick out of Alabama will have a role Monday night against the Dolphins. 

Starting in place of Adams in Week 3, Moore had four tackles. 

“I think he did a pretty good job,” Glenn said. “There’s always room for improvement, he’s a rookie, and he made some rookie mistakes, but to be expected from a rookie. He’s going to be a damn good player for us, and I’m looking forward to the way he progresses as these weeks go by. But there won’t be a week that we go in where he doesn’t have a role.” 

Glenn believes the defense is improving.

Through three games, the Jets are ninth in the league in the opposition’s third-down conversion rate (35.14) and tied for 11th in the opposition’s red-zone scoring percentage (50.0). 

“Well, there’s a number of things that I’m encouraged by when it comes to how we’re [playing] on defense,” the coach said. “The one thing I think our guys do a really good job of is really understanding exactly where we are and how we need to respond to certain situations. As you look at it, it went from 34, 30, to 22 points given up.” 

Edge rusher Jermaine Johnson and cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr., who was acquired this week in a trade with the Titans, were ruled out Saturday.

Each has an ankle injury. Kick returner/running back Kene Nwangwu is doubtful.

He didn’t practice Saturday after being a limited participant the previous two days. 

Former Giants tight end Darren Waller is expected to make his debut Monday for the Dolphins.

Waller missed the first three games of the season with a hip injury.

The 33-year-old Waller is coming off a one-year hiatus from football after retiring prior to the 2024 season.