FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The Jets didn’t take many positives from Sunday’s 26-19 loss to the Patriots, but one of their rookie first-round picks had another stellar performance.
This week, it’s Omar Cooper Jr.’s turn. The wide receiver returned from a high ankle sprain and had a big day for the Jets. Cooper had six catches for 103 yards and a touchdown in his first game since Week 1.
“It’s a great feeling,” Cooper said. “It feels good to finally be back there.”
Cooper’s debut was cut short in a Week 1 win over the Titans. He had a 30-yard catch on the first drive of the game, but sprained his ankle during the game. The injury put him on IR, where he had to observe the past four weeks.
On Sunday, he caught a 48-yard pass from Geno Smith in the third quarter for the Jets’ lone touchdown. Cooper was often open and led the team in catches and receiving yards.
“I thought Omar did a great job coming back from the injury and just fighting to get back on the field,” Smith said. “What he’s done is shown who he is. He’s a playmaker. He’s a guy who finds a way to catch the ball, and tough catches, he makes them look easy. I’ve been impressed with his performance and look forward to building on that.”
Smith is the latest Jets rookie to play in a big game. The Jets drafted three players in the first round this year, and each had a big game. Edge David Bailey, the second overall pick, had three sacks against the Browns last week. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq, the No. 16 pick, rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown in the loss to the Lions. Cooper, the No. 30 pick, said he gained confidence even with the shortened first week.
“I would definitely say the Titans game, you have to have confidence going forward,” Cooper said. “I feel like that catch gave me confidence. You’re supposed to be here and believe in my ability.”
Cooper and Sadiq are the third rookie duo in Jets history to each record 100 yards receiving in a single season. Rich Caster and Eddie Bell did it in 1970, and Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall did it in 2022.