Is Allen Lazard playing today? Jets WR's status revealed for Week 16 clash vs. Rams
Over the course of his last two campaigns with the Green Bay Packers, Allen Lazard amassed 100 catches for 1,301 yards and 14 scores. But Lazard had a terrible first season in New York after joining the Jets in 2023, marked by unstable performances and an excessive number of drops.
When healthy, the 29-year-old wide receiver has been more effective this season, reclaimed his position as one of quarterback Aaron Rodgers' preferred targets, while also contributing well to the team's offense.
Lazard and the Jets will be hoping to build on their exciting 32-25 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars last week when they meet the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in Week 16.
Exploring Allen Lazard's availability for Week 16 vs. Los Angeles Rams
Allen Lazard is expected to play on Sunday, if he does not sustain any injury during pregame warm-ups, since the New York Jets did not include him on the injury report for Week 16 against the Miami Dolphins.
The wide receiver was placed on the injured reserve list for a while after suffering a chest injury on October 20. Due to the injury, he missed five games for the team from Week 8 to Week 13. However, the Jets activated his practice window, and he resumed practicing before the Week 14 game against the Miami Dolphins.
However, since returning to the field, the former undrafted wide receiver has not had enough chances behind Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams, particularly in light of the Jets' recent passing difficulties.
While Lazard is available, cornerback Michael Carter II is out for New York because of a back ailment, and RB Braelon Allen (back), OL Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle), DT Leki Fotu (knee), and DT Quinnen Williams (hamstring) are all listed as questionable for the game.
How has Allen Lazard performed this season?
Lazard made a huge comeback at the start of the 2024 season after a terrible 2023 campaign in New York, becoming one of Aaron Rodgers' top targets in the Jets' offense.
Lazard was second in the squad in receiving yards with 412 on 30 receptions in seven outings this year, averaging 13.7 yards per reception, before he sustained a chest injury in October. He and Garrett Wilson were tied for top place in the squad with five touchdowns.
Allen Lazard's role has, however, diminished considerably since he returned to the field in Week 14. The reason for this is that Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson have taken on bigger roles in the offense.
Since being healthy again, the Iowa State alum has only been targeted five times in two games. He also has just one catch for 18 yards in that span.