Who’s Out? Jets Reveal 5 Inactives for Pittsburgh Opener.

A strategic shift is underway for the New York Jets as they reveal their five inactives for the highly anticipated 2025 season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jets’ decision, announced on Sunday, September 7, 2025, includes a surprising “healthy scratch” and several players sidelined by injury or coach’s decision, setting the stage for a new era under head coach Aaron Glenn and quarterback Justin Fields. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is the backdrop for this Week 1 matchup, filled with compelling storylines as the Jets navigate changes in their roster and coaching staff.

Jets Inactive List: Key Absences

The Jets’ inactive list features several notable absences that could impact their performance against the Steelers. According to the official announcement on NYJets.com, the five inactive players are:

• Wide Receiver: Allen Lazard
• Edge Rusher: Braiden McGregor
• Offensive Tackle: Esa Pole
• Tight End: Jelani Woods
• Defensive Lineman: Leonard Taylor III

Additionally, offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker was placed on Injured Reserve on Saturday due to a torn triceps, making him unavailable for the entire season. This injury significantly weakens the Jets’ offensive line, a crucial area for protecting Justin Fields and establishing the running game.

Allen Lazard’s Healthy Scratch: A Head-Scratcher

The most surprising name on the inactive list is veteran wide receiver Allen Lazard. Despite being listed as a starter on the depth chart and not appearing on the injury report, Lazard is a healthy scratch. This decision, attributed to first-year head coach Aaron Glenn, raises questions about Lazard’s role in the Jets’ new offensive scheme. As reported by CBSSports.com, Lazard signed a four-year, $44 million contract in 2023, making his benching even more perplexing. The move suggests a potential strategic shift and a diminished role for the veteran receiver.

Injury Impact: Esa Pole’s Ankle Injury

Esa Pole’s absence is due to an ankle injury sustained during the week. According to team reports, Pole did not participate in Friday’s practice, making his inactive status expected. His absence further strains the Jets’ offensive line depth, already compromised by Vera-Tucker’s season-ending injury.

Coach’s Decisions: McGregor, Woods, and Taylor III

The remaining inactives – Braiden McGregor, Jelani Woods, and Leonard Taylor III – appear to be coach’s decisions. This indicates a shift in the team’s rotation and potentially reflects the coaching staff’s evaluation of player performance and fit within the new system. These decisions highlight the competitive nature of the Jets’ roster and the coaching staff’s willingness to make tough choices based on performance and strategic alignment.

Steelers’ Inactive List

The Pittsburgh Steelers also announced their inactive list for the game, as reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Their inactives include:

• Defensive Tackle: Derrick Harmon
• Outside Linebacker: Nick Herbig
• Quarterback: Skylar Thompson
• Offensive Linemen: Andrus Peat and Max Scharping
• Defensive Lineman: Esezi Otomewo

These absences could influence the Steelers’ defensive and offensive strategies, potentially creating opportunities for the Jets to exploit.

Impact and Implications

Tyler Johnson’s Opportunity

With Allen Lazard sidelined, Tyler Johnson has been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster. As noted by Heavy Sports, Johnson is expected to step into a larger role, potentially becoming the Jets’ No. 3 receiver behind Garrett Wilson and Josh Reynolds. This provides Johnson with a significant opportunity to showcase his skills and contribute to the Jets’ passing game.

Offensive Challenges and Depth

The combined absences of Lazard, Pole, and Vera-Tucker pose significant challenges to the Jets’ offensive depth and game plan. The loss of Vera-Tucker, in particular, is a major blow to the offensive line, which is crucial for protecting Justin Fields and establishing a consistent running game. According to Bleacher Nation, the Jets will need to rely on their remaining offensive linemen to step up and provide adequate protection for Fields.

Trade Rumors and Speculation

Allen Lazard’s unexpected benching has sparked trade rumors, with some suggesting the Steelers might inquire about his availability. The Times of India reported that Lazard’s high salary and diminished role make him a potential trade candidate. However, any potential trade would depend on Lazard’s willingness to accept a new role and the Jets’ willingness to part ways with a player they invested heavily in just a year ago.

Game Day Storylines

Fields’ and Rodgers’ “Revenge Game”

The Jets-Steelers matchup is filled with compelling storylines, most notably the “revenge game” narrative for both Justin Fields and Aaron Rodgers. Fields, making his debut for the Jets, faces his former team, while Rodgers, now with the Steelers, plays against his old squad. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated season opener.

Aaron Glenn’s Head Coaching Debut

The game also marks the beginning of Aaron Glenn’s head coaching career. As JetNation.com highlights, Glenn faces the challenge of leading a team with significant roster changes and high expectations. His ability to manage the team, make strategic decisions, and motivate his players will be closely scrutinized in his first game.

Conclusion

The New York Jets’ inactive list and roster adjustments create a dynamic and uncertain landscape as they kick off their 2025 season. Allen Lazard’s surprise benching, coupled with injuries to key players, presents challenges for the team’s offensive depth and strategy. As the Jets embark on a new era under Aaron Glenn and Justin Fields, their ability to overcome these obstacles and capitalize on opportunities will be crucial for a successful start to the season.