Jets head coach Robert Saleh downplayed the absence of edge rusher Haason Reddick on Wednesday.
Redick is fighting back, seeking a new contract.
The Jets acquired Redick in a trade in April but have not seen him in spring practice or training camp so far.
The Jets held their first practice of camp on Wednesday.
“That’s the reality,” Saleh said. “That’s the business part. We have 89 more players to prepare.”
Because Redick plays a position that isn’t as strategically complex as some of the other players, the Jets don’t seem too concerned about him missing these practices.
Still, he’s on a new team and needs to get to know his new coaches and teammates.
The Jets can fine Redick $50,000 for each day he misses training camp.
“He’s a veteran,” Saleh said. “He’s been on multiple teams, played multiple positions and has had success in a variety of ways. At this point in his career, he should know exactly what he needs to prepare to play football, so I’m not too worried about that.”
Saleh said Redick’s absence will give other players opportunities.
“Honestly, I’m excited for Will McDonald, Takk McKinley, who’s trying to resurrect his career, Michael Clemons, to get more opportunities,” Saleh said. “A lot of guys are going to get more opportunities. There’s a lot of guys on this team that are going to get opportunities that they wouldn’t necessarily have if he wasn’t here. I look at it more as an opportunity for them to hone their craft, figure out how to get better and get on the football field.”
Saleh said this year’s training camp has a different feel than last year, when “Hard Knocks” filmed the whole thing and the Aaron Rodgers trade was all the rage.
“It’s a lot calmer,” Saleh said. “The players have a much more businesslike approach to things, taking it one day at a time and trying to do their best every day.”
RT Morgan Moses (pectoral muscle) and RG Aliyah Vera-Tucker (Achilles tendon) did not participate in the team practice on Wednesday, and Saleh said they are just getting them used to it.
“This acclimatisation period will allow the players to get used to it again and we hope they will be able to join team training soon,” he said.
