99 Steve McLendon NT

McLendon signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Jets on Thursday, Eric Allen of the team's official site reports.

The 33-year-old has spent the last three seasons with New York, and recorded 34 tackles (21 solo) in 2018. McLendon fits well with the Jets' 3-4 defensive scheme, and should once again figure to start at nose tackle in 2019.

McLendon (ankle) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Bills.

McLendon was able to practice in a limited fashion Friday after being hampered with an ankle injury earlier in the week. He's gone two straight games without reaching 20 defensive snaps, however, though he's slated to continue starting at nose tackle.

McLendon (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against Buffalo, Darryl Slater of NJ.com reports.

McLendon's only practice of the week came in a limited session Friday, but he played through the injury last week with a similar practice workload. Mike Pennel would likely see some more snaps at nose tackle should McLendon be unable to suit up.

McLendon (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday.

McLendon first sustained the injury in Week 8 against the Bears, but was able to play through it last week against the Dolphins. The 32-year-old got in just one practice last week in the form of a limited practice Friday, so his absence for the first practice of Week 10 doesn't necessarily spell an end to his chances of playing Sunday against the Bills.

McLendon (ankle) will suit up for Sunday's divisional tilt with Miami.

This is a big development for the Jets' interior defensive line as McLendon remains the team's primary run stopper up front alongside Leonard Williams. Look for rookie Nathan Shepard to give McLendon some needed breathers during a handful of series, but McLendon's active status will allow Todd Bowles more flexibility up front during Sunday's contest.