For their Week 4 matchup against the Denver Broncos, the New York Jets have elevated linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball and defensive lineman Bruce Hector from the practice squad.
**Marcelino McCrary-Ball**
McCrary-Ball, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 214 pounds, was also elevated in the previous week for the Jets’ game against the New England Patriots. During that contest, he played 14 snaps on special teams. The former Indiana University standout was signed to the Jets’ practice squad in August of 2023. He had previously been promoted to the active roster in January of the same year. So far, McCrary-Ball has appeared in two games for the Jets and logged 19 snaps on special teams.
McCrary-Ball began his professional career in 2022 when he joined the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent. He participated in two training camps with the 49ers before making his way to the Jets midway through the 2023 season. His time in New York has allowed him to carve out a role on special teams, where he has contributed steadily since his arrival.
**Bruce Hector**
Bruce Hector, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 296 pounds, was signed to the Jets’ practice squad on August 28, 2023. His connection to the Jets dates back to December 2022 when he initially signed with the team’s practice squad before being promoted to the active roster in January 2023. Hector also spent time with the Jets during the summer before his brief stint with the Arlington Renegades of the XFL.
In terms of NFL experience, Hector played in three games for the Detroit Lions in 2022, recording five tackles in 52 defensive snaps. He first entered the league in 2018 as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles after a collegiate career at the University of South Florida. Since then, Hector has spent time with several teams, including the Arizona Cardinals in 2019, the Carolina Panthers in 2020, and the Tennessee Titans in 2021. To date, Hector has played in a total of 16 NFL games, including one start, and has accumulated 11 tackles, half a sack, and two quarterback hits over his career.
These elevations signal that both McCrary-Ball and Hector will contribute primarily on special teams and as rotational depth for the Jets during their Week 4 matchup against the Broncos. Their experience, particularly Hector’s journey through multiple teams and leagues, highlights the resilience and determination needed to stay in the league as role players. As the Jets face the Broncos, both players will look to capitalize on their opportunities and provide solid support to the team.