Dwight was the Jets' primary punt returner
The New York Jets placed Tim Dwight on injured reserve Saturday. Rookie wide receiver Wallace Wright was moved to the active roster and will be with the team when the Jets face the Green Bay Packers Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Dwight, a nine-year veteran from Iowa, started twice this season on offense and was fourth on the team with 16 receptions. He was the Green & White's primary punt returner and averaged 10.4 yards on his 14 returns. Dwight was battling a thigh injury but will now miss the Jets' final five regular season games.
Wright, a North Carolina alum, originally signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent on May 15, 2006. During his college career, Wright caught 23 passes for 312 yards and played on special teams. Wright was a walk-on at Carolina before earning a scholarship prior to his junior season.
The Jets were impressed with Wright during the summer and he was added to the practice squad on September 6th.
"Wallace is a guy who really took the coaching and the points that we emphasized and tried to execute them on a daily basis in either practice or in games," said head coach Eric Mangini of Wright during training camp. "He did some really positive things on special teams, and he just kept distinguishing himself."
Dwight is a high-character player who signed with the Jets in the spring. Last year, Dwight played with the Patriots and developed a relationship with Mangini.
"He has that high motor that doesn't stop," Mangini said of Dwight.