The New York Jets used a late fifth-round draft pick on a developmental quarterback prospect with a tremendous collegiate résumé.
Before he can begin his professional development, however, Florida State product Jordan Travis must first return to full health. As it turns out, that process will take longer than some expected.
Travis suffered a gruesome leg fracture last November, eleven games into what was supposed to be Florida State's national championship run. The Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year has been sidelined since.
After being selected No. 171 overall by the Jets, the 24-year-old Travis was unable to participate in OTAs. Now, he's on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list.
While NFI designees count against the team's 90-man roster limit, and can come off the list at any time, Travis likely won't practice anytime soon. On Thursday, New York signed undrafted rookie Ben Bryant as a fourth arm for training camp.
"As far as the fourth quarterback, JT's gonna take a little bit more time than we were hoping. We need a fourth quarterback, so that was really the reasoning for the fourth quarterback," said Saleh after Thursday's practice in Florham Park.
Saleh subsequently elaborated on Travis's current status with the club.
"Everyone's rehab is a little bit different. He's doing a great job. He's working his tail off, it's just that we want to make sure we give him the time that he needs to recover," said Saleh. "This was always going to be a long- term project and he's in every meeting, he's at all the walk throughs, so he's losing the live reps obviously, but he's in good spirits."
Having signed veteran backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor earlier in the offseason, the Jets seemingly had no intention baptizing Travis by fire in 2024. New York has created a situation where the former college star can sit back, heal and learn as a rookie.
