Clemons is expected to serve as a starting defensive end Thursday against the Patriots with Jermaine Johnson (Achilles) out for the season and Haason Reddick (contract dispute) continuing to hold out, Al Iannazzone of Newsday reports.

Clemons played 43 percent and 50 percent of the Jets' defensive snaps in first two games of the season, respectively, recording two tackles (one solo) including 1.0 sacks in Week 1 against the 49ers and one solo tackle versus the Titans in Week 2. Now primed for a start across from Will McDonald, Clemons faces a solid opportunity to take advantage of New England's struggling O-line and continue building his sack total versus Jacoby Brissett.