With defensive end Ropati Pitoitua’s availability for Monday night in question, Jets third-round defensive lineman Kenrick Ellis could make his NFL debut against the Dolphins, defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said on Friday.
“I think it’s looking that way,” Pettine said via Connor Orr of The Star-Ledger. “I think this is a team that I know will try and establish the run. It’s a pretty good offensive line we’re going against and again, not sure of Ropati’s eligibility.
“I could see this being the week, he’s certainly getting the reps in practice, but that decision has yet to be made. He’ll be ready to go.”
Pitoitua has not practiced this week due to a knee injury.
A third-round pick out of Hampton, the 6-foot-5, 346-pound Ellis had seven tackles, including one for a loss, and a pass defensed in the preseason, but has been unable to crack the team’s 46-man roster on gamedays.