Vinny Curry to be activated from IR, will finally make Jets debut

Vinny Curry looks set to make his Jets debut — more than 18 months after he initially signed with the team. The Jets are activating the veteran defensive lineman off IR, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

The Jets designated Curry for return when he was first eligible last week, but after they activated Duane Brown off IR in Week 5, they waited another week on Curry. But the longtime Eagles complementary pass-rusher is moving up to the Jets’ 53-man roster. It has been quite the journey for Curry post-Philly.

Complications from a spleen removal included blood clots, shutting Curry down for all of last season. The Jets, who signed Curry in March 2021, placed him on their reserve/NFI list in July of last year. Robert Saleh’s team circled back to Curry, who was with GM Joe Douglas in Philadelphia, this year. The Jets gave the 34-year-old D-lineman a one-year, $1.12M deal that included $800K guaranteed.

A longtime sidekick to Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox, Curry has 32.5 career sacks — including eight between the 2019 and 2020 seasons with the Eagles — and has played in 123 career games. The former second-round pick played a full-time starter role for the Eagles during their Super Bowl LII run, leading to a one-year Buccaneers stay. While the Marshall alum has started only 23 NFL games, he was a steady presence during Douglas’ time in Philly.

Curry will be set for a backup role behind the likes of Carl Lawson and John Franklin-Myers. The Jets will be without first-round rookie Jermaine Johnson against the Packers due to an ankle injury.

Additionally, the Jets are promoting veteran tackle Mike Remmers from their practice squad, according to Remmers’ agent. The well-traveled O-lineman signed with the Jets more than two weeks ago but spent time going through a ramp-up period. Remmers, 33, has made 90 career starts and served as a two-time Super Bowl starter. While neither of those games turned out well for the veteran blocker, Remmers has managed a nice career since coming into the league as a UDFA.

Gang Green has made some adjustments along its offensive line this season. Injuries to Mekhi Becton, Brown and George Fant have altered the team’s tackle plan, leading to guard Alijah Vera-Tucker moving outside. The 2021 first-round guard started at right tackle opposite Brown in Week 5. Remmers, who has spent most of his career at right tackle, would give the Jets an option — if they wanted to return Vera-Tucker to guard.