The New York Jets’ 2024 training camp features Allen Lazard’s return to the starting lineup, key injuries like Michael Carter II’s ankle issue, and Aaron Rodgers’ impressive comeback after an Achilles injury.

These updates highlight the team’s preparation and optimism for the upcoming season.

Allen Lazard is Back in the Starting Lineup

Last year, Allen Lazard became a forgotten player in the Jets’ offense due to Aaron Rodgers’ injury. Lazard only caught 23 passes for 311 yards and was even left out of at least one game. He stayed on the team because of his $10 million guaranteed salary in 2024.

With Rodgers back, Lazard is in the starting lineup again, according to the Jets’ first unofficial depth chart of 2024.

This is mainly because newcomer Mike Williams is still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered early last season with the Chargers. Once Williams is healthy, Lazard will likely move to the second team.

The other starting receivers for the Jets are Garrett Wilson and Xavier Gipson. Gipson, undrafted in 2023, is also the No. 1 kickoff and punt returner.

The depth chart shows three new starting offensive linemen: Tyron Smith, John Simpson, and Morgan Moses. Rookie first-rounder Olu Fashanu is the backup left tackle behind Smith.

2023 first-rounder Will McDonald is a backup edge rusher behind Jermaine Johnson, while free-agent Javon Kinlaw is a starting defensive tackle with Quinnen Williams.

Michael Carter II’s Ankle Injury & Impact on the Jets’ Defense

The New York Jets had a scare during their training camp practice on July 31. Cornerback Michael Carter II hurt his ankle during a red zone drill and was seen limping badly. He was taken inside for further assessment.

Head coach Robert Saleh provided an update after practice, revealing that Carter suffered an ankle injury. Saleh reassured that it shouldn’t be a long-term issue and promised more information in subsequent updates.

Carter is very important to the Jets’ defense. Though he doesn’t get as much attention as teammates Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed, he is one of the best nickel cornerbacks in the NFL.

Carter is in the final year of his $3.8 million rookie contract and has made 20 starts in 47 games. He has two interceptions, 23 pass deflections, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and 185 total tackles.

Carter is also stepping up as a leader this offseason. Known for his quiet demeanor, he aims to become more vocal, using his respected position within the team to guide his peers.

Aaron Rodgers’ Comeback & Expectations for the Season

Head coach Robert Saleh has high expectations for quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the upcoming season. Despite an Achilles injury that took him out early last season, Rodgers has shown no signs of rust during training camp.

Saleh praised Rodgers, saying he looks like he never missed any time and that he is a “Hall of Famer for a reason.” Rodgers, a 10-time Pro Bowler and four-time MVP, was a key addition to the Jets before the 2023 season.

Since entering the league in 2005, he has accumulated 59,055 passing yards and 475 touchdowns. Although the Jets missed the playoffs last season with a 7-10 record, Rodgers’ presence gives hope for a better outcome in 2024.

Rodgers has made the playoffs 12 times in his career and believes he can do it again with the Jets. The team’s success will depend on his health and performance.

In summary, these updates clearly show the New York Jets’ preparation for the 2024 season.

With key players returning and overcoming injuries, the team hopes to break its playoff drought and succeed under Aaron Rodgers’ leadership.

David Stearns made several trades to improve the Mets’ roster for a playoff push. By focusing on multiple small moves, he aimed to fix weaknesses and increase team depth.

Stearns’ Smart Trades Boost Mets’ Playoff Hopes

David Stearns decided to improve the Mets’ roster with several smaller trades instead of going for flashy, big-name players.

Unlike the 2015 trade for Yoenis Cespedes or the 1969 deal for Donn Clendenon, Stearns chose to address multiple needs with several targeted moves.

Heading into a game against Minnesota at Citi Field, the Mets were tied for the second wild-card spot.

Stearns acted to fill various holes, especially in the bullpen, to keep the team competitive.

Stearns’ Key Moves to Fix the Mets’ Struggling Bullpen

Stearns identified the team’s weaknesses and worked to fix them. The Mets’ bullpen struggled for over two months, causing them to lose several games.

From May 1 to June 2, they lost six games they were leading after eight innings. Even during a winning streak, the bullpen’s ERA was almost 8.00.

This hurt their playoff chances. Stearns responded by getting four new bullpen pitchers: Phil Maton from the Rays, Ryne Stanek, Tyler Zuber from the Rays, and Huascar Brazoban from the Marlins.

• Phil Maton: Maton allowed just one run in seven appearances, promising to improve the bullpen.
• Ryne Stanek: Though his first outing was rough, Stanek has been a reliable reliever, especially with the Houston Astros.
• Tyler Zuber and Huascar Brazoban: Both were added to provide more depth and options, aiming to boost the bullpen’s performance.

Stearns Strengthens Mets’ Rotation and Bench

Beyond the bullpen, Stearns recognized the need for starting depth.

Paul Blackburn was acquired from the A’s with hopes he could replicate Chris Bassit’s successful transition from Oakland to Flushing two years prior.

This move aimed to solidify the starting rotation, offering more stability and options for the remainder of the season.

The Mets also addressed their left-handed bench options. DJ Stewart, previously the best lefty off the bench, was sent to Triple-A Syracuse.

In his place, Jesse Winker was acquired from the Nationals, which was seen as a clear upgrade and a reliable option moving forward.

When Will Stearns Make a Bold Move?

Despite these changes, some wonder when Stearns will make a more aggressive move.

Other teams, like the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers, made big trades, raising expectations.

The Padres paid a high price for Tanner Scott and Jason Adam, while the Dodgers took risks on players like Jack Flaherty.

These bold moves are different from Stearns’ cautious strategy. Stearns’ reputation for careful moves rather than headline-grabbing trades has left some fans wondering when the Mets will make a decisive move to boost their chances.

His careful approach has kept the farm system strong, but the need for a game-changing trade remains.

Stearns’ Strategy Boosts Mets’ Present and Future

Stearns’ approach balances keeping a strong minor league system with meeting immediate needs. The challenge is knowing when to trade prospects for impactful players.

While the current strategy focuses on small improvements, the right opportunity could lead to a bigger move in the future.

In summary, David Stearns’ strategy aimed to address the Mets’ immediate needs without hurting the team’s future. The series of smaller trades provided depth and options, especially in the bullpen, while considering the team’s future.

The question of when to make a bold move remains, but for now, the Mets are set to compete with a stronger roster.

Formula 1 has been a stage for some of the most talented and daring drivers in the world. Over the years, these drivers have pushed the limits of speed and skill, creating unforgettable moments in motorsport history.

Formula 1’s Greatest Champions

Discover the stories of Formula 1’s most legendary drivers, from Alain Prost’s strategic genius to Lewis Hamilton’s relentless determination and their impact.

1. Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton is one of the best drivers in Formula 1 history. Born on January 7, 1985, in Stevenage, England, Hamilton started karting at age eight. By age 10, he had won the British Kart Championship.

McLaren and Mercedes-Benz noticed his talent and included him in their Young Driver Support Programme at 13.

Hamilton won several junior championships and debuted in Formula 1 with McLaren in 2007, almost winning the championship that year.

In 2008, he won his first World Championship, becoming the youngest champion at that time.

In 2013, Hamilton moved to Mercedes, a decision that paid off as he dominated the sport.

He has won seven World Championships (2008, 2014-2015, 2017-2020), and holds records for the most wins (103) and pole positions (104).

Hamilton is known for his rivalry with Nico Rosberg and later battles with Max Verstappen, as well as for being the first black driver to win a World Championship.

2. Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher, born on January 3, 1969, in Hürth, West Germany, is celebrated for his unparalleled dominance in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Schumacher won his first two World Championships with Benetton in 1994 and 1995 before joining Ferrari in 1996.

His tenure with Ferrari transformed the team, leading to five consecutive championships from 2000 to 2004.

Schumacher’s career is marked by 91 race victories and numerous records, many of which stood until Hamilton’s recent achievements.

Known for his intense competitive nature and technical driving skills, Schumacher remains a legend in the sport.

3. Ayrton Senna

Ayrton Senna, born on March 21, 1960, in São Paulo, Brazil, won three World Championships (1988, 1990-1991).

Senna’s career included 41 wins and 65 pole positions. His rivalry with Alain Prost is one of the most famous in F1 history.

Senna tragically died during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, but he is still celebrated for his passion, skill, and dedication to racing.

4. Alain Prost

Alain Prost, known as “The Professor” for his strategic racing style, was born on February 24, 1955, in Lorette, France.

Prost won four World Championships (1985, 1986, 1989, 1993) and had 51 race victories.

His meticulous driving and rivalry with Ayrton Senna defined an era. Prost’s ability to perform consistently at a high level makes him one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history.

5. Sebastian Vettel

Sebastian Vettel, born on July 3, 1987, in Heppenheim, West Germany, dominated Formula 1 from 2010 to 2013 with Red Bull, winning four consecutive World Championships. Vettel has 53 race wins and 57 pole positions.

His dominance was due to his ability to maximize the performance of his car and his strategic skills on the track.

Even though he faced challenges later in his career, Vettel’s success during his peak years remains significant.

6. Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso, born on July 29, 1981, in Oviedo, Spain, is a two-time World Champion (2005, 2006).

Alonso started with Minardi in 2001, and his impressive performance caught Renault’s eye. He won his two championships with Renault, ending Michael Schumacher’s reign.

In 2007, he joined McLaren but had a tough rivalry with newcomer Lewis Hamilton, leading him to return to Renault for two more years.

In 2010, Alonso moved to Ferrari and had several strong seasons, finishing second in the championship three times.

Despite Ferrari’s challenges, Alonso kept performing well. After a tough period with McLaren-Honda from 2015 to 2018, Alonso left F1 but came back in 2021 with Alpine and then joined Aston Martin in 2023.

Known for his aggressive driving and smart tactics, Alonso remains a strong competitor on the track.

7. Niki Lauda

Niki Lauda, born on February 22, 1949, in Vienna, Austria, was a three-time World Champion (1975, 1977, 1984).

Lauda is famous for his incredible comeback after a near-fatal crash at the Nürburgring in 1976.

Despite severe injuries, he returned to racing just six weeks later and won his second championship in 1977.

After briefly retiring, Lauda returned to F1 and won his third title with McLaren in 1984. Beyond racing, Lauda made significant contributions as a consultant and team principal, especially with Mercedes.

His legacy includes his racing success and his impact on the business and safety aspects of Formula 1.

8. Jim Clark

Jim Clark, born on March 4, 1936, in Kilmany, Scotland, was a dominant force in the 1960s, winning two World Championships (1963, 1965).

Clark’s career was marked by his exceptional driving skills and versatility. He won 25 races and secured 33 pole positions, often driving cars that were not the fastest on the grid.

Clark’s untimely death in a Formula 2 race in 1968 cut short what could have been an even more illustrious career. His calm demeanor and unmatched talent left a lasting impact on the sport.

9. Jackie Stewart

Sir Jackie Stewart, born on June 11, 1939, in Dumbartonshire, Scotland, is a three-time World Champion (1969, 1971, 1973).

Stewart’s driving career was distinguished by his smooth and precise style and his advocacy for safety in Formula 1.

His efforts led to significant improvements in driver safety and circuit conditions. Stewart won 27 races and achieved 17 pole positions.

After retiring, he continued to influence the sport through his commentary and as a team owner​.

10. Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen, born on September 30, 1997, in Hasselt, Belgium, has quickly risen to prominence in Formula 1.

He became the youngest driver to start a race at 17 and won his first race at 18. Verstappen won his first World Championship in 2021 after a dramatic season-long battle with Lewis Hamilton, and he successfully defended his title in 2022 and 2023.

Known for his aggressive driving style and technical skill, Verstappen’s career is still in its prime, and he is expected to achieve even greater heights in the sport.

Legacy of Formula 1 from Prost to Hamilton

These drivers have shown amazing skill, hard work, and passion, making them legends in Formula 1.

Their successes and contributions have shaped the sport into what it is today. From the smart racing of Alain Prost to the modern success of Lewis Hamilton, each driver has a unique story and legacy.

If you’re inspired by their journeys and want to learn more about the exciting world of Formula 1, now is the perfect time to get involved.

Follow the latest races, cheer for your favorite teams, and feel the thrill of the fastest sport on earth.