THE APEX TIMES
New York activated a return-to-practice designation for safety VJ Payne and signed wide receiver Joseph Manjack IV to its practice squad, keeping depth moving at a key point in the season.
The New York Jets designated safety VJ Payne to return to practice, the team announced Monday. Payne, listed at 6-foot-3 and 206 pounds, was originally selected by the Jets in the seventh round (No. 228) of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Kansas State.
The Jets also signed wide receiver Joseph Manjack IV to the practice squad. Manjack is listed at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds and previously spent time with the Denver Broncos after signing as an undrafted free agent in May.
Payne’s season timing has been disrupted by an injury suffered during Jets training camp this summer. The team stated that Payne missed the preseason and began the season on injured reserve before this return-to-practice designation.
Manjack comes to New York after appearing in all three Jets preseason games, catching three passes for 40 yards against the Falcons, according to the Jets. His collegiate path included USC, Houston, and TCU.
At Kansas State, the Jets reported Payne appeared in 52 games and started 42. In 2025, he recorded 59 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 4 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles, earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention recognition.