With Demaryius Thomas dealing with multiple injuries and his status up in the air for Sunday’s game against the Steelers, the Jets made a move to sure up their wide receiver depth chart on Thursday.
New York signed Josh Malone off its practice squad on Thursday, promoting him to the 53-man active roster for Week 16.
We've signed WR Josh Malone to the active roster.
📰 https://t.co/oJkNzKxAmf pic.twitter.com/LXrF6UENgJ
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 19, 2019
A fourth-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals out of Tennessee in 2017, Malone has been on the Jets’ practice squad since Sept. 4. In 20 games and seven career starts with Cincinnati, Malone has totaled seven receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown.
Malone had seven catches for 73 yards and a touchdown in the preseason before he and the Bengals parted ways on Sept. 1. In three seasons at Tennessee, Malone recorded 104 catches, 1,068 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
If Thomas can’t play and Robby Anderson’s illness that kept him out of practice on Thursday turns out to be a serious one that sidelines him on Sunday. Malone could be in line for a substantial chunk of playing time. He is the latest receiver to join New York from its practice squad. Boston College product Jeff Smith suited up for the Jets against the Ravens last week after being promoted to the active roster, but injured his ankle and landed on season-ending injured reserve.