Jets to release returner Xavier Gipson after critical fumble in Week 1 loss to Steelers

Aaron Glenn is setting expectations for the locker room.

The New York Jets are planning to release returner Xavier Gipson on Wednesday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.

Brian Costello of the New York Post first reported the news.

The move comes after Gipson had a costly fumble in the Jets’ 34-32 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1. The kick returner put the ball on the ground in the fourth quarter. Two plays later, the Steelers were in the end zone, taking the lead from the Jets, who had controlled play for much of the first three quarters.

Following the loss, Glenn called the fumble the turning point of the contest and said those errors wouldn’t be tolerated. On Wednesday, the first-time head coach followed through on that sentiment.

Undrafted in 2023, Gipson burst on the scene in New York with a game-winning punt return in Week 1 against the Bills. In 35 games with the Jets, he returned 68 punts for 604 yards and one touchdown, and 44 kick returns for 1,142 yards.

Rookie receiver Arian Smith took the final kickoff of the game on Sunday and will presumably retain that role as Kene Nwangwu deals with a hamstring injury. Isaiah Davis and Jamaal Pritchett (practice squad) are other return options on the kick and punt teams.

By: Kevin Patra, Senior News Writer