The 2026 Jets are higher than the 2025 Jets in many areas. But one half of the recreation where it feels like the Jets have taken a step back this 12 months is in the return recreation. 

The Jets had a dynamic return recreation last 12 months with Isaiah Williams and Kene Nwangwu. Williams returned two punts for touchdowns, and Nwangwu returned a kickoff for a landing. Each of them had a rating in the staff’s win over the Browns last 12 months. 

This season, the outcomes are not there. Nwangwu has been battling accidents, but even when he’s wholesome, the return recreation has not regarded the same. The Jets’ longest kick return this 12 months is 36 yards, and the longest punt return is 20 yards. 

Jets coach Aaron Glenn said they know it’s an space for enchancment. 

“We want to make sure we get back to that as soon as we can because that helps every part of our football team,” Glenn said. “Like last year, it was just a year that I thought our guys, we were just on it. We were hitting it from all different angles, and this year has been tough. Number one, guys understand the other team, so they try to do things to try to negate our return situation. Again, I have full confidence that we’ll get back to it. The thing is we just have to strain to finish on those blocks and let our runners run.” 

Isaiah Williams (18) warms up before the begin of the Jets’ Week 6 loss to the Patriots in Foxborough, Mass. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Williams said groups have approached them otherwise this 12 months and are clearly centered on stopping Williams and Nwangwu from having huge returns. Still, Williams believes they are going to break one quickly. 

“I think we’re very close,” Williams said. “I think the biggest thing for us is to continue to do what we do every week. We need to keep practicing, keep putting in the time, focusing on the little details. We know that we have the ability. We know we have the guys. It’s just about executing it on Sundays.” 

The Jets positioned LB Kiko Mauigoa on injured reserve Saturday.

They signed LB Jaden Keller to the lively roster and elevated OT Brant Banks and LB Troy Reeder from the observe squad for Sunday’s recreation with the Dolphins.