The Jets are reportedly planning to release Xavier Gipson after his crippling fumble in Week 1 against the Steelers.
Per Brian Costello of the New York Post, Gipson will be released on Wednesday, after he had the lone turnover of the game in Sunday’s season opener at MetLife Stadium. That fumble in the fourth quarter on a kickoff allowed Pittsburgh to take the lead just moments later, in a game they won on a last-minute field goal.
Gipson became a special teams hero for Gang Green two seasons ago, returning a punt return for a touchdown in overtime against the Bills to win the game after Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles just four plays into his Jets debut. The undrafted free agent has mainly been a special teams contributor since then, but his fumble proved to be the last straw.
Jamaal Pritchett, who competed with Gipson in training camp, could take Gipson’s place, as could rookie Arian Smith.