Allen Lazard says he could have changed Jets’ Week 1 loss after surprise healthy inactive designation
The wide receiver, listed as a starter on the depth chart, said he was eager to play after New York’s 34-32 loss to Pittsburgh
Allen Lazard said he believed he could have helped the New York Jets turn a Week 1 loss into a win after being a surprise healthy inactive for the team’s 34-32 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium.
Lazard, who had been listed as a starter on the depth chart leading up to the game, told The Post after practice Friday that he would have liked the chance to play and that the competitor in him thinks his presence could have made a difference.
"Obviously, I would’ve loved to be out there. Just the competitor in me thinks that me being out there can make the difference, no matter what phase or play it would’ve been," Lazard said. "We played a great game, all three phases. Just came up short. It is what it is, Week 1, but I’m just looking to come to work every single week."
The Jets fell to the Steelers 34-32 in a one-possession game at MetLife Stadium. Lazard’s healthy inactive status was notable because he appeared on the depth chart as a starter in the build-up to the contest, and his absence prompted questions about personnel decisions after the loss.
Lazard addressed the situation in the context of moving forward. He emphasized routine preparation and availability as priorities, saying he plans to focus on practice and contributing when called upon. He did not offer further detail on why he was declared inactive.
New York enters the season-opening loss as it prepares to regroup for the weeks ahead. Lazard’s comments reflect a player pushing for opportunities amid the early stages of the regular season; the Jets will face scrutiny over personnel choices and in-game execution following the narrow defeat.
Coaches and team officials have not publicly expanded on the decision to list Lazard as a healthy inactive for Week 1. The club’s immediate focus, per standard practice after an opening-week game, will be on recovery, evaluation and preparation for the next opponent.
Lazard, a veteran receiver, framed his reaction in competitive terms rather than as a public complaint, stressing readiness and a desire to impact games. The Jets will determine how he fits into the rotation in the coming practices and matchups as the season progresses.