It’s official — Nick Bawden is back with the New York Jets.
After releasing the veteran fullback from the 53-man roster to a public outcry on Wednesday, the Jets announced the signing of Bawden to their Practice Squad on Friday. In a corresponding move, the team released cornerback Kalon Barnes from the 16-member P-Squad.
“Bawden’s back with a good chance of being elevated on gameday,” said Jets’ head coach Robert Saleh prior to Friday’s practice in Florham Park.
The Jets (5-9) are set to host the Washington Commanders (4-10) on December 24 at 1:00 pm ET in East Rutherford.
The 27-year-old Bawden was initially released to free up a roster spot for rehabbing quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Jets needed to make a decision on Rodgers by the time his 21-day activation closed this week. Had they not added the four-time NFL MVP to the active roster, he would not have been permitted to practice with teammates for the remainder of the 2023 season.
“We’re still gonna keep him on the active [roster]. We’ve got the roster flexibility with all the different things that happened over the last couple weeks and it’s all part of his rehab. Just having him out on the football field is a plus for everybody. It’s a plus for him. It’s a plus for his teammates,” said Saleh on Wednesday.
Bawden totaled 28 snaps in a Week 15 road loss to the Miami Dolphins before being released. He has appeared in all 14 games this season and is responsible for one of the team’s 13 offensive touchdowns—a one-yard plunge in Week 3 against New England. Bawden, who contributes primarily on special teams, has two carries for four yards this year. He also has two receptions for 13 yards.
Now looking for work, Barnes initially joined the Jets’ Practice Squad on October 3. He was never subsequently elevated for a gameday appearance. Barnes, a 2022 seventh-round draft pick, made his NFL debut with the Minnesota Vikings as a rookie last year in Weeks 16 and 18.
Jets’ Practice Squad (December 22)
FB Nick Bawden
CB Anthony Brown
S Trey Dean
OT Obinna Eze
OL Chris Glaser
CB Tae Hayes
DT Bruce Hector
CB Craig James
TE Zack Kuntz
LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball
WR Lance McCutcheon
RB Jacques Patrick
OL Rodger Saffold
DT Marquiss Spencer
WR Malik Taylor
RB Xazavian Valladay
