The Jets made some more alterations to the roster Tuesday as they prepare to open the season Sunday against the Bills.
The team waived punter T.J. Conley after he had an inconsistent performance in 2011 and in this preseason. Multiple reports said the team signed Robert Malone to take his place. A source confirmed the team did work Malone out Tuesday.
The Jets also brought back defensive tackle Marcus Dixon, according to a source. The Jets waived Dixon on Saturday in a surprising move. It’s hard to figure out why they would get rid of him and then bring him back three days later.
The Jets waived defensive tackle Isaako Aaitui, who they claimed off waivers on Saturday. Aaitui received an injury settlement.
Conley punted for the Jets last season, taking over for Steve Weatherford. He averaged 42.7 yards per punt in 2011. He entered training camp competing with Travis Baltz for the job, but quickly won that competition.
The 27-year-old put his job back in jeopardy with two bad kicks against the Giants of 19 and 23 yards. That week, special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff expressed doubt about whether Conley would still have the job when the season opened.
“I’m 100 percent sure [Conley] can do it,” Westhoff told The Post, “but right now he’s probably competing against somebody that’s wearing a different color shirt. We have our eyes open.”
Malone has spent time with the Jaguars, Buccaneers, Lions and Chargers over the last two years. He has punted in 13 games in that time. He had an average of 44.8 in the preseason while punting for the Chargers.
According to a source, the Jets had several tryouts yesterday in addition to Malone: OLB D.J. Bryant, WR Derek Hagan, LS Charley Hughlett and P Shawn Powell.