Jelani Woods making case for Jets roster spot after starting camp as longshot

For the past two years, Jelani Woods has been robbed by injuries and betrayed by his body. But now, finally healthy again, the tight end is making a comeback with the Jets.Woods’ surprising play in training camp — including the game’s only touchdown Friday — could see him force his way from afterthought to roster spot.  Text with Brian Costello all season as he brings Sports+ subscribers the latest Jets intel from on the field and off.

“It’s been pretty exciting just to get back on the field, honestly,” said Woods.“I’d never complain about being on the field, every day getting a new opportunity to take the next step forward, to get better.

And I feel like I’m doing that, and I just want to keep it up. “I’m not really surprised.I try to put my best foot forward whatever they ask me to do, try to contribute maximum effort.

Whatever they decide, that’s how I roll.I don’t have any say-so on what’s going on or anything, but I just try to work hard and give the best impression of what I can do.” NFL teams almost never carry four tight ends, and Kenyon Sadiq, Mason Taylor and Jeremy Ruckert sit atop Gang Green’s depth chart.

Considering Woods’ recent history, he was a long shot to make the Jets buck that trend. Impressive athletic testing saw Woods get drafted in the 2022 third round and have a solid rookie campaign for Indianapolis.But he’s appeared in just four games over the past three seasons combined. First, a hamstring strain sidelined him for a year, and then turf toe cost him another.

Rehabs, practice squads and disappointments. That is, until landing with the Jets and reuniting with offensive coordinator Frank Reich, who was the Colts head coach when Woods caught 25 passes for 312 yards and three scores as a rookie. Reich clearly has confidence in Woods, and when the tight end had his number called Saturday against the Steelers, he repaid that faith. “You never know whether the ball’s going to come to you ...