The New York Jets made a move to strengthen their defensive line on Friday by signing defensive lineman Bruce Hector to their active roster, ensuring he will be available for Sunday’s matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
This signing comes after the Jets placed veteran tackle Leki Fotu back on injured reserve due to a knee injury, leaving the team in need of additional depth up front. With New York’s record sitting at 3-6, the team is looking to shore up its defensive line for the remainder of the season.
Hector’s signing is part of a series of moves that also saw kicker Anders Carlson join the practice squad, while Riley Patterson was released. Hector has been with the Jets on multiple occasions since 2023, having initially joined the practice squad last year before being cut during the preseason.
This marks his third stint with the team. He was previously elevated to the active roster earlier this season, recording three tackles in a Week 4 loss to Denver. His latest signing indicates the Jets’ intention to keep him on the roster for a longer stretch.
The 28-year-old Hector, a South Florida product, went undrafted in 2018 and has had a journeyman NFL career, playing for multiple teams, including Philadelphia, Arizona, Carolina, Tennessee, Detroit, and Houston.
He has appeared in 19 career games and registered 11 tackles, half a sack, and two quarterback hits. Hector briefly joined the XFL’s Arlington Renegades in 2023 before being released to resign with the Jets.
Hector’s addition comes as the Jets face injury struggles along their defensive front. Fotu, who was signed in the offseason to provide depth at defensive tackle, has battled injuries all year. After dealing with a hamstring injury in the preseason and a knee injury against New England, Fotu has been placed back on injured reserve.
While the Jets don’t expect Fotu’s season to be over, he won’t be able to return for several weeks, potentially giving Hector his most significant opportunity for playing time since his rookie year with Philadelphia.
