DENVER — Elijah Moore is not the only Jets weapon who has not had as many passes thrown his way as expected this season. Tight end C.J. Uzomah also has been targeted just five times. But you won’t hear Uzomah demanding a trade or even complaining.
“We’re winning,” Uzomah said. “[Shoot], I’ll do whatever it takes to win. I don’t care what it is. I’ll be an equipment guy if it helps us win.”
Though Uzomah has just five catches for 34 yards in five games played this season, he is contributing in other ways. He had two huge blocks against the Packers. He gave Zach Wilson the edge with a cut block on Green Bay linebacker Kingsley Enagbare that allowed the quarterback to roll out and throw a 41-yard pass to Corey Davis. Then, Uzomah delivered a key block on Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander on Braxton Berrios’ 20-yard touchdown.
“Whatever my role is, whenever I’m on the field I’m going to give it a hundred [percent],” Uzomah said. “If I know I have to block someone, I’m going to block them to the best of my ability and make sure the boys get in the end zone.”
The Jets signed Uzomah to a three-year, $24 million contract in March, and he was expected to have a big role in the offense. He has had an increased role as a blocker recently, but still has yet to get going as a pass receiver.
Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur singled Uzomah out for praise this week.
“I’m going to throw out a guy like C.J. Uzomah who hasn’t touched the ball as much,” LaFleur said. “He hasn’t said anything in terms of wanting it more, but he affects the game in such a positive rate. I think you all saw that this last game, back-to-back huge plays. “The one that went to Corey Davis where he cross-shifted and got the defensive end down, and then the next play, he was one of the lead blockers that sprung Brax. To me, that is production. That is such a big factor for winning football games in this league, and that’s just one example of a lot of guys on this squad.”
The Jets elevated TE Kenny Yeboah from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.
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