CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jets cornerback Brandon Codrington had many friends and family members at Saturday’s preseason win over the Panthers.
He put on a show for them … and the Jets decision-makers.
Codrington had a 63-yard kickoff return to start the second half and then had a 31-yard punt return to make his case for a roster spot.
It is unlikely Codrington will make the active roster, but he certainly could be a practice squad candidate.
“[He] definitely seized his opportunities,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said. “I think he was, for both teams, the most productive. He set up a couple of scoring drives. That’s what he’s here for. That’s why we brought him in, his punt return and kick return ability. I thought he did a really nice job tonight.”
Codrington grew up in Raleigh, N.C., and went to North Carolina Central.
The Jets signed him in May as an undrafted free agent after their rookie minicamp.
Codrington’s road to the roster is as a returner.
“I’m trying to make the most of my opportunity,” he said. “Making sure every time I step on the field, I’m giving my all, no regrets. If I mess up, I make sure I’m flying around.”
Codrington said he thought he was going to score on both returns.
“I honestly did,” he said. “Every time I get the ball, that’s my mindset, just trying to take one back every time.”
CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse, who has been having a strong training camp, left the game in the second quarter with a groin injury and did not return.
Saleh said Bernard-Converse has been nursing the injury for a few days.
WR Irv Charles exited in the second quarter with a hip injury.
Charles nearly blocked a punt early in the game.
The Jets not only rested starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but also backup Tyrod Taylor.
Rookies Andrew Peasley and Adrian Martinez played with Peasley playing the first half and Martinez the second.
“Wanted to take a good look at [Peasley] and Martinez,” Saleh said. “We’ll flip it next week depending on how everything shakes out on who goes out there first. Just wanted to get a good look at those two rookies.”
Neither quarterback did much in the game.
Peasley was 7-for-11 passing for 33 yards, and Martinez was 7-for-17 for 67 yards with an interception.