The Jets’ search for defensive help brought them to a player from Robert Saleh’s past, a player whose own past has kept him away from the football field.
Reuben Foster, a player who could help a linebacker corps that right now could have two rookie starters, was set to work out for the Jets on Thursday.
But there are reasons — including two domestic violence allegations — why other teams have not offered chances to the 27-year-old Foster, who has not played in the NFL since 2018.
The 31st-overall pick in 2017 by the 49ers was suspended two games in 2018 after he was arrested in Alabama for marijuana possession and then again in California for unlawful possession of an assault weapon. In the California incident, a girlfriend initially accused Foster of domestic violence before she recanted her testimony.
He played six games in 2018 before he was arrested again that November and charged with misdemeanor domestic violence battery after an alleged fight with the same girlfriend in a Tampa hotel. The alleged victim told police he slapped and pushed her. Charges were later dropped.
The 49ers, for which Saleh was then the defensive coordinator, cut Foster after the November arrest. Washington picked him up, but Foster suffered a torn ACL and LCL in May 2019.
“I know him personally,” Saleh said at practice Thursday. “I can assure you that we would never bring someone to this organization who we didn’t think would represent it the right way.”
The Jets have a need at linebacker after placing Jarrad Davis on injured reserve. C.J. Mosley is the only veteran in the group, with a pair of rookies, Jamien Sherwood and Hamsah Nasirildeen, as well as Blake Cashman, expected to see time.
Saleh said the Jets were forming an “emergency list,” which led to Foster’s workout, which the coach said would dictate the team’s interest level.
In 16 games, Foster has recorded 101 tackles.
Quarterback James Morgan, a fourth-round Jets pick in 2020, is set to back up Sam Darnold rather than Zach Wilson.
The Panthers added the 24-year-old to their practice squad Wednesday after the Jets, who hoped to keep Morgan on their own practice squad, cut him. Morgan could provide intel ahead of their Week 1 matchup, but Saleh was not concerned.
“I know the people in Carolina,” Saleh said. “I’m sure they’re genuine and sincere and will give him an opportunity to show that he’s a good quarterback and that he belongs in this league rather than using him.”
Saleh said there has not been a decision made yet about the starting right tackle. Morgan Moses and George Fant are battling it out.
“There’s still some things going on with the offensive line that we got to get cleaned up,” Saleh said.
Wide receiver Jamison Crowder is day-to-day with a groin injury and did not practice. Saleh said there’s no concern about his availability Week 1. Left tackle Mekhi Becton was back at practice after sustaining a concussion Aug. 24.
The Jets signed DE Jabari Zuniga to their practice squad. The 2020 third-round pick made five tackles in eight games last year.