Jets defense to face RB Jeanty without Sweat, likely Bailey

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  Rich CiminiOct 30, 2026, 11:44 AM ET

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  Rich Cimini is a staff writer who covers the New York Jets and the NFL at ESPN. Rich has covered the Jets for over 30 years, joining ESPN in 2010. Rich also hosts the Flight Deck podcast. He previously was a beat writer for the New York Daily News and is a graduate of Syracuse University.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets' defense, called out this week by Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, will be down at least one and probably two starters for Sunday's game at MetLife Stadium.

Nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat was ruled out Friday with a knee injury, and rookie edge rusher David Bailey, unable to practice this week due to a strained groin, is listed as doubtful. Both were injured last Sunday in the Jets' 28-25 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

This increases the pressure on the front seven, which has struggled to stop the run. Since Week 3, the Jets are allowing 153 yards per game, which ranks 31st in the NFL.

They have bulletin-board material as motivation, thanks to Jeanty, who told Las Vegas reporters on Wednesday, "They have a couple of guys out there that don't really want to tackle." He didn't name names.

The quote made the rounds at One Jets Drive.

"This is the NFL, and I get it. Everybody's motivated by certain things," Jets coach Aaron Glenn said Friday. "But man, your true motivation is each week you get a chance to play, and I think that's about it. But words are always said between players, and that's just what it is. Our guys will be ready to play."

Jets defensive players, likely instructed to keep quiet, downplayed the quote.

"Obviously, certain things add a little more fuel to the fire, but at the end of the day, I have to go out there and do my job," safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said. "I feel like most of the guys in this locker room operate in the same fashion."

Privately, some players said they were surprised by Jeanty's comment, considering his own struggles. Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick in 2025, rushed for only 15 yards in last week's 35-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He is averaging 3.1 yards per rush for the season as the Raiders (3-4), ranked 31st in rushing offense, are on a four-game losing streak.

The Jets (2-5) have dropped two straight.

The 366-pound Sweat, acquired in an offseason trade with the Tennessee Titans, is one of their best run stuffers. He likely will be replaced by rookie Darrell Jackson Jr.

"Losing [Sweat], I mean, that's always a huge deal for us," Glenn said. "But the thing is we've got guys behind him that are going to come in and do a good job for us."

Bailey, who leads the Jets with 5.5 sacks, would be replaced by Will McDonald IV. Drafted No. 2 overall, Bailey is one of the leading candidates for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Once again, the status of running back Breece Hall (quadriceps) remains up on the air. He practiced all week on a limited basis and is listed as questionable. He has missed four straight games. Backup Braelon Allen has produced two 100-yard rushing games in Hall's absence.

Glenn said they want Hall to hit certain markers in his rehab before they play him in a game.