Takk McKinley may have solidified Jets roster spot with impressive sack vs. Giants

When Takk McKinley burst around the edge at the end of the first quarter Saturday night and beat Giants tackle Evan Neal on his way to sacking quarterback Tommy DeVito, he could barely contain his excitement.

McKinley leaped to his feet and did a little celebration, feeling like he was all the way back. For McKinley, this was his first sack since 2021, when he was on the Browns.

That was before he tore his Achilles tendon. Before he bounced around practice squads and active rosters with the Titans, Rams and Cowboys but not playing a snap. And before he spent a year without a team after the Cowboys cut him in June 2023.

“It felt amazing,” McKinley said after Saturday’s 10-6 win over the Giants. “My first sack since 2021. I’m just appreciative to be out here on the field and continue to pursue my dream. I thank the Jets for giving me the opportunity. I had a lot of fun out there.”

Now, the question is whether McKinley has done enough to stick around for the regular season.

It certainly appears he should be on the 53-man roster once cuts are made over the next few days. Teams must get down to 53 players by 4 p.m. on Tuesday.