Don’t call it a statement game for Takkarist McKinley, even though Saturday’s preseason win was just that for the New York Jets defensive lineman.
McKinley had four total tackles and 2.5 sacks for the Jets in a 10-6 win over the New York Giants.
A first round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in the 2017 NFL draft, McKinley has been through quite the ringer in terms of injuries, including a torn Achilles in 2021. He now has seven total tackles in three preseason games, fully looking the part for the Jets in the absence of Haason Reddick.
And with a strong final preseason game, McKinley has put a bow on a training camp and preseason that impressed head coach Robert Saleh.
“I think he’s helped himself – I don’t think this game really…I think he helped himself with regard to everyone noticing, but it’s not nothing that we haven’t noticed already,” Saleh told reporters after the game.
“He’s had an awesome training camp and he’s one of those guys that we’re going to have to make decisions on. It’s a really good d-line group and it’s good to have guys like him who can rush the passer.”
With Reddick holding out for a new contract, McKinley and second-year edge Will McDonald have seemingly taken advantage of the extra reps.
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Only once in his seven NFL seasons has McKinley played a full schedule (that was in 2017 as a rookie with the Falcons where he had 20 total tackles and six sacks). He last played in 2022 with the Los Angeles Rams, appearing in just four games.
Last spring, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys but was cut in June.
“I think for me just my faith and just the people that believe in me. Knowing I didn’t have a mom or dad growing up, I was raised by my grandma and my auntie and they could have easily given up on me but they didn’t give up on me,” McKinley said during an in-game interview.
“So, for me it was like I can’t give up on myself. Like I’m speechless right now, but I’m just grateful to be in front of you guys and just have the interview. McKinleys ain’t no quitters man, I got two kids and they look up to me. I’d be quitting on them if I quit on myself.”