When Jets rookie Azareye’h Thomas spoke with his brother and Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas throughout his first season, Juanyeh’s message always revolved around continuing to stay ready. Continuing to prepare like a starter.

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Juanyeh, now in his third year, was a backup, too. And when Dallas safety Malik Hooker landed on injured reserve before Week 5, he made his first start of the season at MetLife Stadium.

So Thomas kept approaching the Jets games the same. The third-round pick in April’s draft encountered small chances to contribute throughout the opening stretch of games, but with star cornerback Sauce Gardner (concussion) ruled

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