The New York Jets’ rookie cornerback Azareye’H Thomas has been placed on injured reserve, officially ending his season due to a shoulder injury. The announcement came on December 13, 2025, with only four games left in the regular season. This marks the second significant loss for the Jets’ rookie class this year, as defensive lineman Tyler Baron is also on IR due to a knee issue.
Impact on the Jets’ Roster
Azareye’H Thomas, the 73rd overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has shown promise during his debut season. He participated in 12 games, starting five of them. Throughout the season, he recorded seven pass deflections, 22 total tackles, and two tackles for loss. His performance included a notable streak of deflections in six consecutive games.
Comments from Analysts
NFL analyst Will Parkinson expressed disappointment over Thomas’s injury, noting it is “brutal” for the young player who had begun to establish himself. ESPN’s Rich Cimini highlighted the challenge Thomas faced, stepping into a starting role after Sauce Gardner was traded. Thomas was expected to fill Gardner’s shoes in the secondary, and now his absence poses additional challenges for the Jets as they look to finalize their lineup.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the Jets will need to assess their cornerback situation, especially with Thomas sidelined. With three years remaining on his $6.5 million rookie contract, Thomas will not be eligible for unrestricted free agency until 2029. He will have opportunities in training camp and offseason activities to prove himself and secure a relevant role when he returns.
Roster Adjustments
Following Thomas’s placement on IR, the Jets made several roster moves. They activated linebacker Cam Jones, who had been on IR since October 25 due to a hip injury. Additionally, temporary practice squad elevations were made for quarterback Adrian Martinez and defensive back Tre Brown, both reverting to the practice squad on December 15.
The stakes are high as the Jets prepare for the 2026 season, with significant roster adjustments needed to ensure depth at cornerback. The closing games of the season will highlight the team’s resilience and adaptability in the face of injuries.
