New York Jets brutally cut star one game into new NFL season after Aaron Glenn fury

A single error appears to have sealed Xavier Gipson's fate as the New York Jets released him after just one match, despite his impressive 161-yard performance in the season opener. Gipson had served as the Jets' punt and kickoff returner, managing an average of 28 yards during their opening defeat to the Steelers, with Aaron Rodgers making his comeback against his former side.

However, Gipson's crucial fumble during a return in the final quarter handed possession back to Rodgers, allowing the Steelers to seize the lead and secure victory. Head coach Aaron Glenn declared that the fumble proved decisive in the match, with the 24-year-old former undrafted talent bearing the consequences.

Reflecting on the defeat and the critical error, Glenn said: "The one thing to me that turned this game is, man, we can't have turnovers. We can't do it. We have to be a more disciplined team.

"There were some penalties that happened in that game that were true discipline issues and, again, that's something that will be addressed because you will not be on the field with this team if you're going to cause us to lose games, if you're going to cause issues like that."

The Jets possess an immediate substitute within their squad for both kick and punt returns. Kene Nwangwu excelled in that capacity last season by delivering a spectacular 99-yard kick return touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks.

Despite the fumble proving expensive at that moment, the Jets had numerous chances to contain Rodgers throughout the encounter, yet the 41 year old managed to triumph against his previous club. Rodgers completed 22-of-30 passes for four touchdowns and no interceptions against the Jets defence, a unit that was initially considered one of the best in the league.

His successor at the Jets had ironically been with the Steelers last season. Justin Fields put on a strong performance in his debut for the team, contributing to three touchdowns, including two rushing scores, while minimising errors in the pocket.

Gipson could rejoin the Jets on the practice squad if he clears waivers unclaimed. However, his versatility as a special teams player and a receiver might see him join another team's 53-man roster.

If he remains unclaimed, he will be on waivers for 24 hours before being eligible to join a practice squad.

This article first appeared on Mirror US.