The Jets have played the last 17 games without linebacker Antwan Barnes, but that drought may come to an end on Thursday night.
The team announced Wednesday afternoon that they have activated Barnes from the Physically Unable to Perform list a day after he resumed practicing for the first time since tearing his ACL last season. It’s not clear if Barnes will play a role against the Patriots, but he should be at least a situational pass rusher whenever he does make it into a game.
The Jets released safety Josh Bush to make room for Barnes on the roster. Bush wasn’t likely to play Thursday as the Jets listed him as doubtful on Wednesday’s injury report with a quad injury.
Wide receiver Eric Decker should play, however. He moved up to a full practice on Wednesday and is listed as probable after battling a hamstring injury for several weeks. David Nelson should also return at wideout after missing the last game with an ankle injury, although the Jets won’t have Greg Salas after ruling him out with a knee injury.