In a sport where "the next man up" is a catchphrase -- and a reality -- few units on the Jets have lived with that reality this season more than the defensive backfield.

The lone constant has been CB Brandon Stephens (10 games, 10 starts), who signed with the Jets in free agency and returns to Baltimore for Sunday's game after playing four seasons with the Ravens. But there's been a swirl of changes, injuries and new faces.

S Andre Cisco (torn pectoral muscle) has been ruled out for the season. Slot corner Michael Carter II was traded to Philadelphia, followed by CB Sauce Gardner's trade to Indianapolis. Rookie Azareye'h Thomas, who spotted Gardner after an injury and then stepped in as the starter, is expected to be back after spending time in the concussion protocol. Jarvis Brownlee Jr. was obtained in a trade with Tennessee and bounced from slot corner to the outside as needed. Another rookie, S Malachi Moore, has proved to be an able and exciting replacement for Cisco, teaming with Tony Adams.

And then there's Isaiah Oliver, 29, the wily 8-year veteran and the Green & White's Swiss Army Knife in the defensive backfield and steady contributor on special teams. He has appeared in all 10 games this season after playing in the entire 17-game slate last season.

On Sunday in Baltimore, the Jets' defense will face a unique challenge against a Ravens offense that is led by QB Lamar Jackson, RB Derrick Henry, TE Mark Andrews, and WRs Zay Flowers and DeAndre Hopkins.

"We've been rolling, rolling personnel back there pretty much all year, whether it be injuries or guys moving," Oliver said. "We have a really tight knit group back there, just on a personal level, and everyone kind of wants to see everyone succeed. There's a lot of unity, and so we're able to help each other a lot.

"So Brownlee, playing nickel or playing outside corner, has been getting help from other guys in the room [ Qwan'tez Stiggers, for example] to be able to kind of make those transitions. And then myself included, whether I'm at nickel or safety, Malachi did the same thing, nickel and safety. I mean, so we have a lot of versatility back there, and I think that a lot of that comes from help from other guys in the room, for sure."

The Ravens (5-5) have won three straight games with Jackson, a two-time league MVP, back under center. During that streak, Jackson has completed 69% of his passes for 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. And although the Jets' DBs have yet to snag an interception this season, they have been good at bending but not breaking. DC Steve Wilks, who worked with Oliver when they were both with the 49ers in 2023, is quick to recognize a player who can play multiple defensive positions while also being a leader on special teams.

"He brings that versatility, being able to play the big nickel, being able to play safety, he can definitely come in if something happens at the actual nickel position as well, someone that I got a lot of trust in," Wilks said on Thursday. "I had him in San Fran, so I knew coming here exactly what kind of player he was, very smart and versatile. So he brings a lot to us and wanting him to continue to progress and get better each and every week."

As important a role as Oliver plays in the defensive scheme where he has taken 30% of the snaps, his contributions on special teams has been significant, taking 82% of the snaps and making 33 tackles. The Jets are one of only two teams this season with TDs on a kickoff and a punt return, while also being among the league leaders in defending KO and punt returns.

"But when you talk about guys that you're able to lean on, or guys who just kind of rose to the top in that you talk about Isaiah Oliver," special teams coordinator Chris Banjo said. "He's really done a phenomenal job of just being a glue of the group, holding guys accountable, holding himself accountable. Andrew Beck, so many veterans that have just been around the league, seen a lot of ball, they've been really, really good resources, not only for myself, but for the room and for the rest of the group."