Jets Sign Veteran WR in First Move After Loss to Steelers
The New York Jets have made their first roster move since their Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Gang Green announced that they have signed veteran wide receiver Tyler Johnson to the active roster. The team also announced that they have added offensive lineman Liam Fornadel to the practice squad.
We’ve signed WR Tyler Johnson to the active roster and signed OL Liam Fornadel to the practice squad.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 8, 2025
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Johnson Returns to the 53-Man Roster Full-Time
On Saturday, September 6, the Jets elevated Johnson from the practice squad for the Steelers game. This was a temporary elevation, and Johnson was set to be on the active roster in Week 1 and then was scheduled to revert to the practice squad on Monday, September 8.
Instead of letting that happen, the Jets have signed Johnson outright to the roster.
The Jets had 52 players on their roster heading into Week 1 after placing starting right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker on injured reserve. That opened up a roster spot, but the team didn’t immediately fill it. Now they have.
Johnson initially joined the team during free agency on a one-year deal.
During the preseason, Johnson caught two receptions for 27 yards. In the Week 1 contest against the Steelers, Johnson finished with two catches for 31 receiving yards.
With 5:59 remaining in the second quarter, the Jets had the ball up 16-10 over the Steelers. The pocket collapsed around Fields. He stepped up, kept his eyes downfield, and found Johnson.
Fields fired the ball to Johnson with a Steelers defender draped all over him. It was one of the big highlight plays of the season opener.
#Gophers Tyler Johnson making plays!
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— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) September 7, 2025
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Jets Round out Their Practice Squad With OL Addition
With Johnson going from the practice squad to the active roster, that left a void to be filled.
The Jets brought back a familiar face with that final PS spot.
“Fornadel (6-4, 312) was signed by the Jets in July and appeared in all three preseason games for the Green & White before he was waived in August. The James Madison product most recently spent time with the DC Defenders of the UFL, his second stint with the team. He also played for the Defenders in 2023-24. He first signed with the Canadian Football League’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers after he went undrafted in 2022. Fornadel had a stint with the Patriots in 2024 and spent most of last season on their practice squad before he was released in December. Fornadel, who is from Wyckoff, NJ, and played at Don Bosco Prep in high school, started 40 games in college at JMU (31 at RT, 8 at LT),” Jets editorial contributor Susanna Weir wrote in a press release.
Breaking Down Jets WR Room
ESPN’s Rich Cimini said on social media that Johnson’s addition now gives the Jets six wide receivers on the 53-man roster.
The Jets signed WR Tyler Johnson to the 53-man roster. He was a practice-squad elevation in Week 1. Now they have six WRs on the 53. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) September 8, 2025
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The other five receivers on the team are: Garrett Wilson, Arian Smith, Josh Reynolds, Xavier Gipson, and Allen Lazard.
Lazard was a healthy scratch in Week 1 versus Pittsburgh. That raised a lot of eyebrows because Lazard seemed in line to be a starter or, at the very least, a top contributor.
Head coach Aaron Glenn spoke to the media on Monday, September 8, and explained (via Jet Nation on social media), “Lazard missed two weeks of training camp, so we wanted to make sure he was up to speed on everything we were doing, so we’ll see how that goes this week”.
Cleveland Browns in Kicker Crisis: Rookie Szmyt’s Misses Could Derail Their Playoff Hopes!
In a heartbreaking 17–16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns' rookie kicker Andre Szmyt had a debut to forget, missing a crucial extra point and a 36-yard field goal in the final minutes. With the game on the line, Szmyt’s miss sealed the fate of the Browns, leaving fans and coaches alike in disbelief. With Week 2 fast approaching, the Browns are facing an urgent question: Can Szmyt overcome the pressure, or will Cleveland be forced to make a change?
1. The Nightmare Debut – Szmyt’s Crucial Misses
Rookie kicker Andre Szmyt's NFL debut was supposed to be a moment of pride for the Browns, but it quickly turned into a nightmare. His missed extra point and failed 36-yard field goal attempt with less than two minutes remaining handed the Bengals the victory.
Szmyt, clearly frustrated, commented post-game:
“I know I let my team down, but this is just the beginning. I’m going to fix this. I’m not going to let one bad game define me. Cleveland deserves better, and I’ll make sure I’m the guy they can count on.” — Andre Szmyt, Cleveland Browns Rookie Kicker
His honesty was refreshing, but with such a high-stakes position, the pressure is already mounting on Szmyt. His words show determination, but can he back it up in Week 2?
2. Coach Stefanski's Tough Love – Can Szmyt Bounce Back?
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t mince words when discussing Szmyt’s performance. "Those are kicks that we expect him to make," Stefanski said, expressing frustration but maintaining a level of support. It’s clear that Stefanski has faith in Szmyt, but the pressure is mounting. Will Szmyt be able to shake off the mistakes, or will the Browns’ kicker woes continue to haunt them?
3. Quarterback Joe Flacco Stands By His Kicker – ‘We All Have to Do Better’
Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco offered his support to Szmyt, adding a touch of perspective to the situation. “It’s a team sport. We win together, and we lose together. We all have to do better,” Flacco said. While Flacco’s leadership is valuable, it doesn’t erase the importance of a reliable kicker in the NFL. The Browns’ special teams unit must find a solution fast if they hope to compete in a tough AFC North.
4. What’s Next for the Browns? A Kicker Hunt May Be On the Horizon
With Szmyt underperforming, the Browns are exploring every possible option to solve their kicking dilemma. As it stands, the team has no backup kicker on the roster, which leaves them with few choices. The front office is reportedly eyeing veteran kickers such as Dustin Hopkins, Greg Zuerlein, and Eddy Piñeiro, who are available as free agents. If Szmyt’s struggles continue, Cleveland may turn to a more experienced leg before it’s too late.
5. A Critical Week 2 Looms: Can Szmyt Redeem Himself?
Looking ahead to Week 2, the Browns are set to face the Baltimore Ravens. This game is pivotal not only for Szmyt’s confidence but for the Browns’ playoff aspirations. Can Szmyt overcome the pressure and deliver in clutch moments? Or will the kicker issue continue to plague Cleveland, pushing the team closer to a decision they don’t want to make?
Conclusion:
The Cleveland Browns’ kicker crisis has become the team’s most pressing issue, and with no easy solution in sight, the next few games could determine Szmyt’s future in the league. Can the rookie step up to the challenge, or will the Browns be forced to find a new solution? With playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the kicker’s performance in the coming weeks could be the difference between a successful season and another heartbreak.
