Robert Saleh is feeling déjà vu.
The Jets’ head coach raved about undrafted rookie receiver Xavier Gipson, who Saleh has recently assured will continue to see his playing time and usage increase.
The speedy Gipson, who has also been used as a kick and punt returner, was hardly expected to make the team, let alone have a significant role.
At slot receiver, where Gipson plays, the Jets signed Mecole Hardman to a one-year, $4 million deal and Randall Cobb to one-year, $3 million deal this past offseason.
But Hardman, after battling preseason injuries, failed to win any trust from his new coaching staff, and the Jets cut their losses during the bye week and traded Hardman and a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Chiefs for a 2025 sixth-round pick.
Cobb has struggled mightily, with just three catches for 20 yards this season.
His 0.15 yards-per-route-run rank dead-last in the league among qualified players and is nearly triple the next lowest mark, according to Pro Football Focus.
His 40 percent drop rate is also worst in the league, double the next-worst mark.
Hardman and Cobb’s struggles opened the door for Gipson, who has so far capitalized on the opportunity.
Saleh likened it to his days as an assistant with the Seahawks, when they signed quarterback Matt Flynn to a big-money contract only for Russell Wilson, a third-round pick, to win the job.
“While [Hardman] was trying to get himself back up to speed and being limited, here comes this undrafted rookie you don’t expect anything from,” Saleh said during a Zoom call on Monday. “But you’re like, ‘Wow, this guy’s pretty good’ in OTAs. And then in training camp, it’s like, ‘Man, this guy is really freaking good.’ It’s just an opportunity for us to develop a young guy.
“It’s more of a testament to Xavier Gipson. He was able to get some reps because Mecole was still kind of recovering through his injury. And he took it and ran with it and he’s doing a heck of a job.”
Saleh did not have an update on cornerbacks Sauce Gardner or D.J. Reed, both of whom missed the Jets’ Week 6 win over the Eagles with concussions.
Saleh did say they’re both still in the concussion protocol, though.
He did not have an update on offensive tackle Duane Brown, who is eligible to return from the injured list this week from a hip injury, either.
Saleh called rookie interior offensive lineman Joe Tippmann, who exited the Eagles clash with a thigh injury, a “quick healer” and pushed back on the idea it could be a multiple-week injury.
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