Jets add free agent Rodger Saffold to help banged-up O-line

The New York Jets signed veteran guard Rodger Saffold to their practice squad among a number of other roster moves Tuesday.

Saffold, 35, has yet to play this season after back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons with the Tennessee Titans (2021) and Buffalo Bills (2022). Amid a number of injuries on the offensive line, New York intends to promote Saffold to the active roster, ESPN reported.

Saffold started 173 of his 176 career NFL games for the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams (2010-18), Titans (2019-21) and Bills. He was a second-team All-Pro selection in 2017.

The Jets also signed defensive lineman Tanzel Smart and offensive lineman Dennis Kelly to their active roster, added defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes to the practice squad and placed center Connor McGovern, guard/center Wes Schweitzer and defensive tackle Al Woods on injured reserve.

Jets coach Robert Saleh said on Monday that McGovern (dislocated kneecap) and Schweitzer (calf) have a chance to return this season. Woods tore his Achilles and is out for the year.

McGovern left Sunday's win over the New York Giants in the second quarter. Schweitzer slid over from right guard to replace him at center before exiting with his own injury.

Fourth-string offensive lineman Xavier Newman, elevated from the practice squad for the game, ended up playing 72 percent of the offensive snaps. The Jets entered the game without guard/backup center Joe Tippman (quad).