#Jets’ secondary receivers come up big during practice

First, Jamison Crowder slid to catch a low pass thrown behind him over the middle of the field. Then, he out-jumped his coverage for a touchdown. Both nice grabs, but worth no more than honorable mention Tuesday at Jets practice, where there was more competition for the “Catch of the Day” than expected in a fishing town.

On separate throws from Mike White, Lawrence Cager climbed over a defender on the sideline, and Braxton Berrios dragged his feet across the back of the end zone before falling out of bounds.

It’s exactly what coach Adam Gase needed to see, with top receivers Breshad Perriman and Denzel Mims not practicing due to injury. The hits keep coming, too, because Cager (knee) left practice early after a strong start.

“We are light in numbers — it feels like they are taking a lot of reps — but this is a put-your-head-down-and-work type of group,” Gase said. “They just want to contribute. I think those guys can see the numbers and are fighting for those spots. Nobody is taking anything for granted.”

The Jets signed Chris Hogan and recently worked out former first-round draft pick Kevin White as the search for reinforcements continues. Perriman (knee) is expected to return by Saturday, and a deal with White is not imminent, Gase said.

“Just to be ready to go if we need somebody,” Gase said. “The way the wide receiver room has been going so far, it seems like something happens every day. We just need to make sure everything is lined up as far as who would be the next one in.”

The 5-foot-9, 190-pound Berrios gives the Jets an insurance policy on Crowder as well as a kickoff and punt returner. Maybe they can play side-by-side.

“It’s rare … to have another guy I feel really comfortable putting in the slot, knowing what to do and making plays and finding a way to get open,” Gase said.

“Seeing [Berrios] play in college down at Miami, I feel like I’ve been watching him play for a long time, so when we were able to get him last year I was excited. He plays like he is 6-foot-4, 230. In his mind, that’s how he views himself.”

The NFL announced there were zero positives among the 23,260 COVID-19 tests administered to players from Aug. 12-20.

“Being able to hear that news, and see how serious the guys are taking it, doesn’t really surprise me because we all wanted to come back and play football,” Sam Darnold said. “That part’s awesome.”

Sam Darnold smirked when asked about Le’Veon Bell’s challenge for his quarterback — “no bars!” — to stay healthy during the pandemic. Darnold missed three games with mononucleosis last season.

“Great advice, man,” Darnold said. “He’s always got words of wisdom.”

The biggest winner during Joe Flacco’s absence is White, who, after running scout team last season, is pushing David Fales.

“He’s making great decisions with his reads,” Gase said. “He’s made some really nice throws. He’s got really good pocket presence.”