The Jets place Allen Lazard on IR and likely keep Mike Williams

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard was placed on injured reserve Thursday, leaving quarterback Aaron Rodgers without one of his top receivers for at least the next four games.

Lazard, who suffered a pectoral injury in the Week 7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, had been slotted in as the No. 3 receiver behind Garrett Wilson and had recently taken over for Davante Adams. Lazard's absence means the Jets are more likely to keep Mike Williams than make him available for a trade.

The trade for Adams had relegated Williams to the No. 4 spot, meaning a significant reduction in playing time, but his value to the offense increases without Lazard.

The trade deadline is November 5th. Lazard is eligible to return on December 8 against the Miami Dolphins.

Despite six drops, Lazard is having the most productive season of his career, with 30 receptions for 412 yards and a team-high five touchdowns. This is a loss for Rodgers, who leans on Lazard because of his history. They played together for four seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

The Jets signed Lazard as a free agent last year to a four-year, $44 million contract, but he was benched and finished the game with just 23 catches. Rodgers' return from his Achilles tendon injury in 2023 sparked a renaissance season for Lazard.

In another personnel change, the Jets announced that Riley Patterson will be their kicker on Thursday night against the Houston Texans. He replaces the struggling Greg Zuerlein, who was placed on injured reserve. They invited six free-agent kickers to a tryout on Tuesday, and Patterson prevailed.

Patterson, 25, hasn't pitched for any team this season, but he has experience with the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns. He made 88% of his field goal attempts (59 of 67).

The Jets also placed defensive tackle Leki Fotu (knee) on IR for the second time.