Trevon Wesco has been waiting for his moment to contribute to a Jets win. It came on Sunday … twice.
The Jets rookie tight end had two big conversions in the 34-27 win over the Giants.
First, Wesco lined up at fullback on fourth-and-1 from the Giants 41 in the first quarter. He gained 2 yards and kept alive a drive that ended up with a touchdown. Wesco said the Jets installed the play on Wednesday and he expected to get a chance to run it, but he was not sure if it would come on fourth down.
“I knew I was going to get it, but I didn’t know if he was going to call it,” Wesco said. “I’m just trying to gain their trust. He called it. I’m trying to make the most out of every opportunity I get.”
The fourth-round pick out of West Virginia has not played much this season, but he had an impact Sunday.
In the fourth quarter, Sam Darnold found him on a third-and-1 when the Jets were deep in their own territory and clinging to a 31-27 lead. It was Wesco’s first career catch and he gained 15 yards. The Jets ended up kicking a field goal on the drive.
“It definitely feels good to contribute to a win,” he said. “I’m about winning ballgames. We’re just trying to stack the wins and find out who we are.”
CB Bless Austin made his NFL debut and ended up playing a big role. Austin was activated off the non-football injury list this past week. He suffered two ACL tears at Rutgers, the last keeping him out of spring practice, training camp and the first eight weeks of the season.
Austin replaced a struggling Nate Hairston in the second quarter and played well. He had three tackles, two passes defensed and forced a fumble on the game’s final play. He nearly had an interception, too.
“We needed him to play,” Jets coach Adam Gase said. “We needed him to get in there and see what he could do. He’s not afraid. He’s not shy of confidence.”
RG Brian Winters left the game in the third quarter with a shoulder injury. Gase said he will have an MRI exam Monday. … TE Chris Herndon made his season debut. He had one catch for 7 yards on two targets. … LB Jordan Jenkins had two sacks Sunday. He has five this season.
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