Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard was inactive for his team’s Black Friday loss to the Dolphins last week, and it’s safe to say it caught the veteran by surprise.
But after speaking with coach Robert Saleh, Lazard said he understood the decision.
“After talking to him, I can see the reasoning for it and everything,” Lazard explained, per the New York Post.
But one element that made the benching sting even worse for Lazard was not being able to play in quarterback Tim Boyle’s team debut. Boyle and Lazard played together in Green Bay and spent time together on the Packers’ practice squad. In the 2019 preseason finale, Boyle connected with Lazard on his first NFL touchdown catch.
“Not being out there to help him succeed and stuff, that just kinda hurt me a little bit,” Lazard said.
Lazard, who signed a four-year, $44 million contract with New York in the offseason, will play on Sunday against the Falcons, according to Saleh. Lazard was brought into the fold in free agency due to his relationship with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, where he became one of the star quarterback’s favorite targets.
Lazard’s first year with the Jets has been uneven. He has caught just 20 passes for 290 yards and one touchdown after recording 60 receptions for 788 yards and six scores for Green Bay last season.
Although quarterback play has certainly impacted Lazard’s cumulative stat line, he’s hoping to take a step in a positive direction Sunday against Atlanta. Boyle is happy to have a familiar target on the field with him, too.
“He’s a safety blanket,” Boyle said. “He knows how to read coverage. He knows the offense. He knows the scheme. …He’s fun to throw to, and I’m excited to have him out there.”
The Jets (4–7) play host to the Falcons (5–6) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
