Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa returned to the field in this week's OTAs after missing the 2017 regular season with a neck injury. However, Enunwa only participated in individual drills as he wore a backwards baseball cap.
"It feels good. I think it's been a long time coming to go out there and do my thing," he said. "I'm going to be excited when I can out there against the defense, but right now, just to move around and move well, I'm happy about that."
The fourth-year veteran said he feels great, but is waiting on official medical clearance. Head coach Todd Bowles said at March's NFL Annual League Meeting that he expects Enunwa to be "highly competitive" in training camp. Enunwa also added that when it's time to buckle up his chinstrap, he's going to be "ripping and rolling."
The road to recovery hasn't always been easy for Enunwa as he initially had a moment of uncertainty regarding his future in football. After heavily researching his procedure and recovery, he was confident he would return to full health and was eager to be on the sidelines yet again.
"I don't even know how to explain it. It's been hard," he said. "It's also been really fun because it made me really think about what I'm going to do when I'm on the field and I'm excited for that. In my mind, there are so many different things I want to do when I go out there, so I'm looking forward to that."
Enunwa returns to a much different situation than when he went down nine months ago. Robby Anderson emerged as the Green & White's No. 1 receiver in 2017 and the team acquired Jermaine Kearse, who posted a career-high 65 receptions and 810 yards last year. The Jets also added to the receiver room with the signing of Terrelle Pryor in free agency. And on top of that, Jeremy Bates is now calling the plays.
Top Snapshots from Tuesday's OTA in Florham Park
"I'm excited. It's competition and every position needs that because it pushes you and makes you become a better player," Enunwa said. "I'm looking forward to seeing who all comes out on top. I'm going to push and I think everyone else will push too."
The 6'2", 225-pounder had a breakout year in 2016 as he posted 58 receptions for 857 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games (13 starts). Enunwa, whom Bowles once likened to Dennis Rodman, served as a jack-of-all-trades as he lined up out wide, in the slot, at tight end and H-back. The Nebraska product isn't sure where he'll line up on Sundays in 2018, but he's currently testing the waters.
"I think they're going to throw me in a few different things and see where I go," he said. "Right now I think it's about me learning all of the spots, so I can do what I need to do to get on the field and play."
