New York Jets Preseason: Week 4 Stock Report

The New York Jets open the 2015 regular season in just over two weeks. 

That means we don't have to wait much longer to realize the culmination of all the Jets' hard work this offseason to turn it around after a disappointing 2014 campaign.

A lot has changed in that time, with a new head coach, new general manager and sweeping changes to the roster, but there are more changes to come. The Jets are gearing up to cut down their roster to 53 players by the end of this week, which means it's more important now than ever for players to be trending in the right direction.

That even goes for players who are locks for the roster; with the regular season right around the corner, it's vital that everyone be hitting their stride at the right time. That being said, not everyone is on a positive trajectory around this time of year—otherwise there would be 32 teams with a legitimate chance to compete for the Super Bowl.

Here's a look at a couple of players whose stock is heading up and a few others whose stock is trending downward ahead of the 2015 regular season. 

Stock Up: Geno Smith

Julie Jacobson/Associated Press

Just because Jets quarterback Geno Smith can't practice, doesn't mean he can't work.

According to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com, Smith was seen at Tuesday's practice wearing a wristband as he works on staying mentally sharp during a time when he can't work on staying physically sharp.

Smith is also easing back into physical work, according to George Willis of the New York Post, who says that Smith was throwing into a nylon net and was throwing each pass "as if it were the game-winning touchdown in the Super Bowl."

Smith is still a long way from returning to the playing field on a full-time basis, but the arrows are pointing up as he progresses toward that end goal. 

Stock Down: Stevan Ridley

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

The Jets have a deep group of running backs, which is both good news and bad news for Stevan Ridley.

The good news: Ridley isn't being rushed back from knee surgery. The bad news: He may have a hard time cracking the lineup and getting carries when he finally returns. 

Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports that Ridley is "likely" to begin the season on the physically unable to perform list. He's been on the PUP list since the beginning of training camp, and that doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon.

"We have some quality RBs right now and they're all playing good," head coach Todd Bowles said, per Mehta, "so Ridley can take his time and get healthy."

Stock Up: Zac Stacy

Seth Wenig/Associated Press

Running back Zac Stacy is not just the beneficiary of Stevan Ridley's extended stay on the physically unable to perform list. Stacy has earned some opportunities to prove himself this summer and is taking the ball and running with it, figuratively and literally. 

Against the New York Giants, Stacy had 13 carries for 60 yards (4.6 yards per carry) in his most extensive work of the preseason, but he also had a highlight-reel 24-yard catch-and-run-and-somersault-into-the-end-zone. 

It was a well-blocked play, to be sure, and Stacy could have walked into the end zone if he wanted, but his involvement in the passing game is an important note as the Jets sort out their workload in the backfield. 

Stock Down: Jace Amaro

Frank Franklin II/Associated Press

The Jets had high hopes for tight end Jace Amaro when they drafted him in the second round in April of 2014. A lot has changed since then, from the front office to the coaching staff, and now, so has Amaro's health.

According to ESPN.com's Rich Cimini, Amaro will have shoulder surgery that will land him on season-ending injured reserve. Amaro suffered the injury early in the Jets preseason opener against the Detroit Lions, and the team had hoped he could recover in time to contribute in 2015.

Obviously, that will not be the case.

The Jets lack depth at tight end, where only veterans Jeff Cumberland and Kellen Davis have a real shot of contributing to the team this season. Fortunately for the Jets, the tight end position is not a point of emphasis in offensive coordinator Chan Gailey's system.

Unfortunately, even if it were, it appears the Jets wouldn't have many options to fill that void.

Stock Up: Jeff Cumberland

Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty Images

One man's loss is another man's gain, and while no teammate will likely be happy about an injury to another player on the roster, there is always an opportunity waiting around the corner anytime a player goes down.

As mentioned in the previous slide, Jace Amaro is taking a trip to the operating room for shoulder surgery that will land him on season-ending injured reserve. Where it once appeared that tight end Jeff Cumberland would be splitting time with Amaro, it now looks as though the full-time job is Cumberland's alone.

In 2014, Cumberland played 926 snaps (83.4 percent) according to Pro Football Focus. With Amaro out of the picture, it would be a surprise to see Cumberland's playing time decrease.

That being said, tight ends are generally not a big part of Chan Gailey's offense, so it will be interesting to see how the Jets utilize Cumberland in their new-look offense.