Jets sign veteran WR Sterling Shepard to practice squad

Sterling Shepard signed to the Jets' practice squad as short-term receiving depth while rookie Omar Cooper Jr. is week-to-week with an ankle injury; Shepard can be elevated to the active roster if the team requires game-day help.

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- Source: GiantsWire report quoting team and league reporting
- Signing announced Sept. 15–16 window; practice-squad deal, not active roster
- Shepard eligible for elevations or claims by other teams while on practice squad
- Rookie WR Omar Cooper Jr. left Week 1 with an ankle sprain and is considered week-to-week (reported alongside move)
- Shepard provides a veteran slot/positional option behind Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell
- Jets likely view Shepard as a short-term hedge and a potential elevation candidate
- Drafted by the Giants in 2016 (second round), spent eight seasons with New York
- Played for the Buccaneers in 2024–25 and had a brief Texans stint this summer
- Would need to be elevated over an active WR to see game action; gives Jets experienced depth and route-running options

Read full analysis on giantswire.usatoday.com

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