The New York Jets' offense didn't possess the ball for long during the season-opening setback on Monday night, but when it did, its two key offseason wide receiver additions were nowhere to be found.
Wide receivers Mike Williams and Malachi Corley combined for 10 offensive snaps and zero targets in the 32-19 road loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Williams, who signed for one year and $10 million this past March, was on the field for nine plays in the opener. Corley, the No. 65 overall draft pick, logged one offensive snap in his NFL debut and did not see action on special teams.
Less than one year removed from his torn ACL, Williams wasn't expected to be an every-down receiver at this point in the season. Even though head coach Robert Saleh said his reps would be limited, one had to think Williams would have seen more than 18 percent of offensive snaps.
"He's fine. We're going to be smart with him. We'll find ways to continue to implement him and get him going in the offense, but he's fine. He's in a good place," said Saleh during his postgame remarks.
Instead of Williams, the Jets went with a heavy dose of Allen Lazard, who dropped a third-down throw that would have moved the chains and bounced back with two touchdown receptions. Lazard, who signed a four-year contract worth $44 million in 2023, was the lone Jets' skill player on the field for all 51 offensive snaps.
Meanwhile, the Jets traded up to the top of Round 3 to draft Corley and the rookie is trending toward non-factor status. The slot receiver reps apparently belong to the undrafted Xavier Gipson, who saw 59 percent of snaps in his second career season opener.
It's also a bit concerning that Corley, who was billed as the YAC King, has yet to show any potential as a kick returner.
Although it turned out to be the least of the team's problems, the Jets hardly used either of their two supposed receiving upgrades.
"I think that'll come naturally. We had 49 plays on offense and I think that'll happen organically," said Saleh about getting more weapons involved on that side of the ball.
Maybe Williams returns to form in the coming weeks and Corley carves out a bigger role for himself, but it was an inauspicious start for the team's two new pass-catching playmakers. Now, it's onto Week 2 as the Jets will visit the Tennessee Titans on September 15.
More New York Jets News:
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• Jets make three 2023 draft picks inactive for season opener vs. 49ers
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• Head coach confident in Jets' pass rush, unfazed by star DE holdout
• Jets' offensive coordinator explains what makes Breece Hall rare breed
