Sources: Jets signing returner Avery Williams to practice squad

The Jetsare adding a player to hopefully help with their special teams woes this season.

SNY's NFL Insider Connor Hughes reportsthat the Jets are signing veteran returner Avery Williams to their practice squad. Gang Green hosted Williams and Trenton Irwin on Thursday for a tryout and it seems the former is sticking around.

To make room for Williams, the Jets are letting Lawrance Toafili go, per Hughes.

Williams was drafted in the fifth round (183rd overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021 NFL Draft. While he has caught some passes in his career -- 13 receptions on 14 targets for 61 yards -- he's made his football career returning kicks. Last season, he returned 20 punts for 185 yards and 15 kickoffs for 408 yards.

For his career, Williams has 58 punt returns for 630 yards and 54 kickoffs for 1211 yards. He does not have a touchdown in his career.

The Jets have had issues on returns this season. In Week 1, Xavier Gipson fumbled in the team's loss to the Steelers and was cut shortly after. This past Monday against the Dolphins, Isaiah Williams fumbled the opening second-half kickoff, one of three turnovers by the Jets in their Week 4 loss.

It's unclear if Williams will be elevated for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, but they have the veteran returner as an option now.