We’ll likely know the specifics of Gipson’s injury in the coming days, but the second-year UDFA was seen hobbling off the field during Thursday’s practice and is now expected to miss some time. Gipson is expected to challenge rookie Malachi Corley for snaps as the Jets’ starting slot receiver, but the time missed due to this injury could give Corley the inside edge come Week 1. Gipson caught 21 passes for 229 yards and one touchdown as a rookie and also served as the team’s primary kick and punt returner. Even if he loses the competition for starting slot receiver, he should see plenty of work on special teams this season.

Hughes went on to say, “Rookie Malachi Corley will work as a slot/gadget/returner,” though his early-third-round draft capital and post-catch quicks should earn him a role soon enough. Gipson, a 2023 undrafted free agent, makes for a reasonable rookie hurdle. Among NFL returners with at least 15 total returns, Gipson ranks and ties 13th in both yards per kickoff return (23.3) and yards per punt return (9.7), respectively, and his 55 total returns ranks No. 1. He averaged 10.9 yards per reception on 21 receptions but his 0.67 yards per route run belies his moderate receiving successes.

An undrafted rookie out of small-school Stephen F. Austin, 22-year-old Gipson became a Hard Knocks star before rather improbably going on to suit up for all 17 games. He caught “just” 21 passes, but that’s a good outcome for someone with Gipson’s pedigree. Considering the Jets’ totally barren receiver depth chart behind Garrett Wilson, it’s certainly possible Gipson ends up hanging around in the top 3-4 next year. With Aaron Rodgers coming back, Gipson is worth an end-of-bench stash in Dynasty leagues.

Gipson, with Allen Lazard (illness) inactive, ran a full route share and was third among Jets pass catchers in targets. The speedy Gipson has functioned as the team’s No. 2 wideout when Lazard is out. He would be a deep league option next week against the Patriots if Lazard remains sidelined.