99 Steve McLendon DT

The Jets picked up McLendon's $3.13 million team option for 2018 on Tuesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

McLendon enters the third and final year of the deal he signed with the Jets in free agency in March 2016 coming off the best season of his career. Though he saw his sack total drop from 3.5 the year prior down to 1.5, the nose tackle was more effective than ever at stuffing the run game. He finished with 46 tackles in 16 games, exceeding his total (42) from the 2015 and 2016 campaigns combined. The 32-year-old should fill a starting role once again during the upcoming campaign.

McLendon (neck/hip) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Andy Vasquez of NorthJersey.com reports.

McLendon suffered the neck/hip injury Sunday against the Panthers but his full participation Thursday makes it seem as if the injury is now behind him. Look for the defensive tackle to resume his role in the starting lineup Sunday against the Chiefs.

McLendon is doubtful to return to Sunday's game after suffering a neck/shoulder injury, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports.

McLendon suffered the injury in the second half of Sunday's game. His injury officially is labeled a burner, which is a nerve injury caused from a blow to the neck/shoulder area. Look for Mike Pennel to fill in as long as McLendon is sidelined.