The New York Jets threw us all a curveball ahead of the Week 1 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a surprise decision on wide receiver Allen Lazard.
The Jets put out their list of inactives for the Week 1 game at MetLife Stadium and Lazard was on it, meaning he won't suit up for the season-opening contest.
That is a shocking decision, to say the least.
Lazard wasn't on the Jets' injury report this week and he is listed as a starter on the team's depth chart. Not to mention, the Jets already have a shaky situation at wide receiver behind Garrett Wilson.
So, what's behind the decision?
Why is Allen Lazard inactive?
UPDATE: Apparently, we should be surprised that Lazard is inactive.
According to SNY's Connor Hughes, Lazard being a healthy scratch "isn't a big surprise" because "he's WR4 and doesn't play special teams."
Lazard isn’t a big surprise. He’s WR4 and doesn’t play special teams. https://t.co/VcHcjP2XCE
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) September 7, 2025
END OF UPDATE
There is no concrete reason why Lazard is inactive as of this writing. There was no indication the veteran wideout had fallen out of favor with New York.
The only thing we can think of that makes sense is perhaps the Jets have reached a deal with another team to trade Lazard after Week 1 and are holding him out to make sure he doesn't get hurt before then.
One team that could have interest in his services is the team the Jets will face on Sunday, the Steelers.
Pittsburgh has an equally shaky situation at wide receiver behind DK Metcalf and an addition of Lazard would provide a strong boost.
Lazard also has a connection with Aaron Rodgers from their days together with the Green Bay Packers and Jets, and we all know how much the future Hall of Fame quarterback loves reuniting with his former receivers.
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