Jets rookie steps in after Gardner trade | JQJO

Sauce Gardner’s trade to the Colts stunned the Jets locker room and thrust rookie Azareye’h Thomas into a starting cornerback role. Thomas called the opportunity a blessing and said he aims to compete execute and ball for teammates. Sunday’s matchup with the Browns will be his second straight start after filling in against the Bengals, when he allowed a 44-yard touchdown to Tee Higgins but otherwise held up as Cincinnati’s stars did limited damage. Thomas said he learned film habits from Gardner. The Jets elevated Kohl Levao and Payton Page for Sunday.