Highlights from Thursday’s Jets practice:
The good
CB Nate Hairston showed off his coverage skills on Thursday. He made several plays on the ball, breaking up at least three passes. Hairston started six games for the Jets last season and is a candidate to win a starting job this year.
The bad
The offense had a rough day. The offensive line struggled against the defensive front, allowing pressures on passes and having run plays blown up in the backfield. QB Sam Darnold looked off with his lone highlight coming on a long run after he scrambled.
Caught my eye
The Jets’ depth on the defensive line was on display with backup Nathan Shepherd making several plays. He had two would-be “sacks” if the Jets were tackling right now. Shepherd, a third-round pick in 2018, could have a role in the defensive line rotation.
Medical report
The Jets suffered two new injuries on Thursday with safety Matthias Farley (hamstring) and DE Jordan Willis (knee) exiting practice early. They got good news on backup OL Conor McDermott, who suffered a knee injury on Wednesday. The injury is not season-ending and coach Adam Gase said he is week-to-week. Rookie WR Denzel Mims (hamstring), CB Pierre Desir (hamstring), CB Brian Poole (dehydration), LB James Burgess (back) and rookie DE Jabari Zuniga (quad) all remain out.