New York Jets’ Denzel Mims goes down at practice, will miss time

New York Jets, Denzel Mims
Sep 21, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Denzel Mims (5) makes a catch against the Rice Owls in the first half at Rice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Denzel Mims’s debut with the New York Jets has been highly anticipated since he was selected in this year’s draft. He’s already begun working with Sam Darnold in hopes of establishing solid timing and getting their connection right during this abbreviated offseason training. Now, Mims’ hamstring just threw a wrench in those plans.

Mims Is Hurt

According to head coach, Adam Gase, Mims took a weird step and hurt his hamstring. Gase went on to state his disappointment about the injury due to Mims’ hard work. Gase followed those comments up by fueling speculation about a run at a potential veteran receiver due to their depleted receiving core full of boom or bust guys.

Along with the history of injuries that Crowder has and the inconsistencies shown in Perriman’s game in the past, it would not be a bad idea for the Jets’ front office to take a look at a few veteran options. However, Manish Mehta did report that internally, the New York Jets feel Mims should be back in a few days. Still, this set back is the last thing Mims needed with the current state of the offseason, to begin with.

Potential Veteran Options

Taking a look at a few guys the team could target, three names come to mind for me. The first being Demaryius Thomas. In my free agency predictions, I wrote that I thought he’d already be back with the squad. It seems as though the fit makes the most sense, especially with his knowledge of the playbook, and he could quickly dive into the starting group.

Another name with knowledge of the playbook is Kenny Stills. Coming off a solid year last season in Houston following his role in the Laremy Tunsil trade, Stills could be the odd man out with the current crop of receivers in Houston. His knowledge of both Gase’s offense and coaching style could make him worth a potential late-round pick that would be needed to acquire his services.

The last, a little more out of the blue target, would be Dez Bryant. Bryant hasn’t played in a year, despite signing with the Saints and then getting hurt before taking any real reps. Now, Dez is said to be in solid shape and ready to return to the gridiron. Maybe the Jets will take a flyer on the big personality receiver, but that would seem out of character for Joe Douglas to do such a thing. It’s more likely Dez becomes the next TO or Chad Ochocinco, where rumors swirl about their potential return, but it never amounts to much.Â