Why Jets Starters Will Play in Preseason Games

The long-held belief in the NFL that starters should be protected during preseason games by resting them is being challenged. Evidence from the 2020 season, when the preseason was canceled due to COVID-19, showed a significant increase in soft-tissue injuries like hamstrings and quads. This suggests that a ramp-up period is crucial for players' bodies to adapt to game speed.

In response, the Jets are having their starters play in the upcoming preseason opener against Tampa Bay. This strategy aims to provide approximately 25-30 combined reps across all preseason games, averaging 8-10 snaps per game. The goal is to acclimate players to live-action speed and new offensive and defensive schemes under coordinators Frank Reich and Aaron Glenn.

While fans may worry about injuries to key players in non-counting games, the data indicates that protecting starters too much can lead to higher risks when the regular season begins. Training camp practices, though physical, do not fully replicate the intensity of NFL game speed.

This approach also carries added significance for the Jets, who are installing new playbooks on both offense and defense. Real game repetitions are seen as invaluable for starters to fully grasp these new systems. Though preseason snaps are not risk-free, as evidenced by recent camp injuries to rookies, gradually increasing workload now is considered a safer bet than a cold Week 1 start.