# Jets add Sterling Shepard as injuries thin receiver depth

> New York signs the veteran wideout to the practice squad after Omar Cooper Jr.'s ankle injury leaves them short on options.
- Title: Jets add Sterling Shepard as injuries thin receiver depth
- Summary: New York signs the veteran wideout to the practice squad after Omar Cooper Jr.'s ankle injury leaves them short on options. The Jets signed Sterling Shepard…
- Keywords: new york jets, sterling shepard, omar cooper jr, aaron glenn, green bay packers, garrett wilson, adonai mitchell, practice squad, wide receivers, week 2, nfl, injury
- Source: New York Jets On SI — https://si.com/nfl/jets/onsi/jets-sign-sterling-shepard-practice-squad-means-week-2-wr-outlook-01m2k8scbdkb
- Published: 2026-09-15T20:24:20+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: new york jets, sterling shepard, omar cooper jr, aaron glenn, green bay packers, garrett wilson, adonai mitchell, practice squad, wide receivers, week 2, nfl, injury
## Jets face Packers in Week 2
New York hosts Green Bay in a few days. Coach Aaron Glenn needs momentum after the Packers dropped their opener.
## Injuries hit Jets secondary and receivers
Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will miss weeks with a groin injury. Rookie receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is week-to-week with an ankle problem.
## Jets work out multiple receivers
New York brought in several wideouts for tryouts on Tuesday. JuJu Smith-Schuster was among those who auditioned but didn't land the job.
## Sterling Shepard joins practice squad
The Jets signed the veteran receiver after his workout. Shepard spent years with the Giants and is familiar with the New Jersey area.
## Wilson and Mitchell shine in opener
Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell combined for nine catches and 139 yards against Tennessee. They looked like one of the NFL's best receiver duos.
## Depth receivers struggle in Week 1
Isaiah Williams had one catch for seven yards. Arian Smith dropped his only target, and tight ends combined for just 23 yards.
## Shepard brings extensive experience
The 33-year-old has played 117 regular-season games with 81 starts. His career stats include 443 catches for 4,800 yards and 25 touchdowns.
## Solid production with Tampa last year
Shepard caught 39 passes for 371 yards and a touchdown in 13 games with the Buccaneers. He recorded 18 first downs, his most in four seasons.
## Career-low drop rate in 2025
Shepard's 2.5% drop rate last season was the lowest of his 11-year career. He proved he can still be reliable despite his age.
## Brief preseason stint with Houston
The Texans released Shepard on Aug. 30 after one exhibition game. He caught both targets for seven yards before the roster cut.
## Shepard excels in the slot
He played 187 slot snaps for Tampa last season, third-most on the team. This could help offensive coordinator Frank Reich add depth in the middle of the field.
## Possible promotion for Sunday's game
Shepard could be elevated to the active roster depending on practice this week. The Jets need experienced options with Cooper sidelined.
## Week 2 depth chart takes shape
Wilson and Mitchell lead the group, followed by Isaiah Williams. Shepard would slot in fourth if promoted, with Arian Smith rounding out the five.
## Packers limited Vikings receivers in Week 1
Green Bay held Minnesota's wideouts quiet except for Justin Jefferson. The Jets may need another body active to feel confident about their options.
## Key takeaway

The Jets signed Sterling Shepard to their practice squad and may promote him for Week 2 against the Packers after losing rookie Omar Cooper Jr. to injury.