# Jets add Sterling Shepard after Cooper injury

> The Jets patched a thin receiver room by adding Sterling Shepard and Tyler Johnson to the practice squad.
- Title: Jets add Sterling Shepard after Cooper injury · New York Post
- Summary: The Jets patched a thin receiver room by adding Sterling Shepard and Tyler Johnson to the practice squad. Omar Cooper’s ankle injury pushed the Jets to add…
- Keywords: jets, sterling shepard, giants, omar cooper, tyler johnson, garrett wilson, adonai mitchell, titans, metlife stadium, practice squad, ankle sprain, nfl
- Source: New York Post — https://nypost.com/2026/09/15/sports/jets-sign-ex-giants-receiver-sterling-shepard-after-omar-cooper-injury
- Published: 2026-09-15T20:22:52+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: jets, sterling shepard, giants, omar cooper, tyler johnson, garrett wilson, adonai mitchell, titans, metlife stadium, practice squad, ankle sprain, nfl
## Shepard returns nearby
The Jets signed Sterling Shepard to their practice squad after rookie receiver Omar Cooper hurt his ankle. The move brings a former Giant back to the New York market.

> Sterling Shepard is back in somewhat familiar territory.
## Giants years built his name
Shepard spent eight seasons with the Giants after arriving as a second-round pick. He totaled 4,095 yards and 23 touchdowns across 90 games.
## Recent role was depth
Now 33, Shepard spent the past two seasons with Tampa Bay in a smaller role. Last year he had 39 catches for 371 yards and one touchdown.
## Old pairing, new city
Shepard was once a steady No. 2 receiver next to Odell Beckham Jr. Both are back in New York now, but Shepard must climb from the practice squad before playing.
## Johnson also returns
The Jets also signed Tyler Johnson to the practice squad. He played 12 games for them last season, catching 12 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown.
## Cooper is week-to-week
Cooper, the No. 30 pick, sprained his ankle in a 23-10 win over Tennessee. Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell lead a thin active receiver group.
## Key takeaway

Omar Cooper’s ankle injury pushed the Jets to add veteran receiver depth, but Shepard is still only on the practice squad.