Will McDonald recorded 6 pressures and 2 sacks on 22 pass rushes against the Patriots (27.3% pressure rate).

Five sacks in last two games

McDonald had 2.0 sacks among his three tackles (one solo) and four quarterback hits in Thursday's 24-3 win over the Patriots.

Analysis: McDonald stayed hot after his 3.0-sack breakout in Week 2. With Jermaine Johnson (Achilles) done for the season, McDonald will be counted upon to play a key role on the edge for the Jets, even if Haason Reddick's ongoing contract dispute is resolved at some point.

Three sacks in win

McDonald recorded four solo tackles and three sacks in Sunday's 24-17 win over the Titans.

Analysis: McDonald lived in Tennessee's backfield, getting to quarterback Will Levis three times to match his combined sack total from the first 16 games of his career. Jermaine Johnson (Achilles) is feared to have suffered a torn Achilles in the victory, and with Haason Reddick holding out, McDonald will likely move into a starting role at defensive end beginning with the Jets' Thursday night game versus the Patriots in Week 3.

Quiet rookie season

McDonald finished his rookie season with 3.0 sacks among his 14 tackles (nine solo) while adding a forced fumble and a fumble recovery over 15 games.

Analysis: Despite being a first-round selection (15th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft, McDonald was limited to a reserve role on the Jets' deep defensive line in his first NFL campaign. There were questions about his ability in run support entering the NFL given his 6-foot-3, 241-pound frame, and McDonald was used primarily as a pass-rush specialist in 2023, but he was outclassed in that role by Bryce Huff (10.0 sacks) while failing to exceed 30 percent of defensive snaps in any game. With Huff set to…read more

Gets first career sack

McDonald recorded a sack for his lone tackle in Sunday's 30-6 win over the Texans.

Analysis: McDonald logged his first full sack in the fourth quarter, bringing his season total up to 1.5. The 2023 first-round draft pick brought down backup quarterback Davis Mills, who had replaced the injured C.J. Stroud (concussion) on the previous drive.

Active for Week 11

McDonald (ankle) is active Sunday versus the Bills.

Analysis: McDonald was forced to miss the team's Week 10 loss to Las Vegas while dealing with an ankle injury, but he'll make his return to the field Sunday against Buffalo. The rookie has recorded two tackles, including a half-sack, over the last two games in which he's appeared.

Questionable due to ankle injury

McDonald (ankle) has been deemed questionable for Sunday's Week 11 matchup with the Bills.

Analysis: McDonald missed the Week 10 loss to Las Vegas due to his knee issue and is in danger of sitting out this coming Sunday as well. He did manage to log a trio of limited practices this week, so he seems to have a chance of suiting up against Buffalo. If he does miss the clash, however, Carl Lawson could potentially get more reps.

Limited on practice estimate

McDonald (ankle) was listed as a limited participant on the Jets' practice estimate Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: It seems to be a step in the right direction for McDonald after he sat out of Sunday's loss at Las Vegas. He'll still probably need to upgrade to full participation Thursday or Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.

Won't play Sunday night

McDonald (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Analysis: McDonald popped up on the team's injury report after not participating in Friday's practice. He has contributed both on special teams and as a depth edge rusher behind John Franklin-Myers and Jermaine Johnson this season. Bryce Huff is more likely to get an uptick in defensive snaps than veteran Carl Lawson, with the former recording five sacks over his last four games.

Questionable after missing practice

McDonald (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Las Vegas, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: It's not clear when McDonald sustained the ankle injury or how severe it might be at this point. If he can't suit up in Week 10, Carl Lawson will likely see more work at defensive end against the Raiders.

Unavailable for Week 2

McDonald (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Connor Hughes of SNY.tv reports.

Analysis: A rookie first-round pick, McDonald recorded one tackle across 13 offensive snaps in Week 1, but he won't suit up in Week 2. This comes as a bit of a surprise, but it appears McDonald is near the bottom of the depth chart for the time being.

Notches sack in shutout win

McDonald recorded one sack and two quarterback hits in Saturday's 27-0 preseason win over the Panthers.

Analysis: McDonald had three tackles and a quarterback hit in his NFL debut the previous week, so the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has shown some intriguing ability to get to the passer. McDonald's speed and bend off the edge give him a high ceiling as a pass rusher, but with questions about how he'll hold up in run defense at just 239 pounds, the rookie will likely begin his career as a situational rusher rather than an every-down player.

Returns to practice Tuesday

McDonald (leg) practiced Tuesday, Ralph Ventre of SI.com reports.

Analysis: The rookie first-round pick was sidelined for the first couple practices of training camp due to a leg contusion, but he was back on the field for Tuesday's padded session. Per Ventre, McDonald stood out during his first action and is on track to be part of the Jets' edge rusher rotation in 2023. The Iowa State product was a three-time All-Big 12 First-Team honoree and totaled 34 sacks across five collegiate seasons.