Denzel Mims’ sophomore season hasn’t gone well.
First, Mims battled food poisoning all offseason and fell down the depth chart while recovering and learning a new offense. When the receiver did see the field, he failed to make plays. Then Mims tested positive for COVID-19 on Nov. 9. He’s missed the Jets’ last three games.
Mims, who is vaccinated, said he battled symptoms of the virus such as body-aches and vomiting.
“COVID was bad for a week, but now I’m feeling good,” Mims said Friday. “I hope everybody is wearing their mask, I don’t wish that on anybody.”
The Jets activated Mims off the reserve/COVID-19 list and he could return to a big role if Corey Davis misses Week 13 with a groin injury. Mims hasn’t performed well in similar situations, though. He caught just three of his eight targets for 50 yards in the two games Davis missed earlier this season. He was especially bad against the Colts in Week 9, catching just one of his five targets.
“I wasn’t happy with my performance,” Mims said of the Colts game. “I left a lot on the field. I can’t get myself down, though. I just got to keep moving forward, accept the things I went through that game and keep pushing forward, honestly. I’ve just got to keep my mind positive and come ready to play Sunday.”
Mims has just seven receptions on 14 targets for 129 yards in seven games this season, though he does average 18.4 yards per catch. If Davis can’t play in Week 13, Mims will likely start alongside Elijah Moore as Zach Wilson’s top-two pass-catching options with Keelan Cole out.
Mims will face an Eagles secondary led by shutdown corner Darius Slay. Philly allows just 9.8 yards per reception and 228.4 passing yards per game.
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