When the New York Jets chose Alabama's ArDarius Stewart in the third round of the NFL Draft on April 28, they already had an opening at wide receiver. The Jets had released six-time Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall in March, even though he led New York with 59 receptions last season.

In June, the Jets got rid of another veteran wide receiver, cutting Eric Decker after he played in only three games in 2016 because of injuries. Decker had 1,000 receiving yards in three of the previous four seasons.

Last week, Stewart moved up the depth chart again. But this time, the Jets hadn't planned on losing another wide receiver. Quincy Enunwa suffered a neck injury at training camp one week ago, and on Monday, New York announced he'd miss the 2017 season because of a bulging disc in his neck.

Enunwa led the Jets with 857 receiving yards and four touchdown receptions in 2016. His departure left Robby Anderson as New York's top returning wide receiver. He caught 42 passes for 587 yards and two touchdowns as an undrafted rookie last season.

Stewart and New York coach Todd Bowles said almost the same thing about the Jets' situation at wide receiver.

Stewart said: "The young guys are going to have to grow up."

Bowles said: "Our young guys are going to have to grow up fast."

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Of the 12 wide receivers left on New York's roster, Stewart, as a third-round pick, has the best pedigree now. Chad Hansen joined the Jets from California in the draft's fourth round this year.

Charone Peake, who caught 19 passes last season, and Marquess Wilson, whose 777 career receiving yards in four seasons are the most among the Jets' wide receivers, entered the NFL as seventh-round draft picks.

The other eight wide receivers on the New York rosters were not drafted.

Stewart's chances of taking advantage of the openings at wide receiver have been hampered by missed time. He had surgery for thumb and groin injuries earlier this year that sidelined him for portions of the Jets' offseason program. He was still a limited participant when training camp started last month.

The Jets have Stewart listed as a third-team wide receiver on their first depth chart of the preseason.

"I've done a lot of great things out here, but I've also done a lot of things that I need to improve on," Stewart said. "I'm not as comfortable (with assignments) as I could be or as I should be right now. I'm still in the learning process."

The Jets kick off their preseason schedule when they host the Tennessee Titans at 6:30 p.m. CDT Saturday. WZDX-TV in Huntsville will broadcast the game.

"We've got four preseason games," Bowles said, "and we'll see who comes out when the lights come on."

In his final two seasons at Alabama, Stewart caught 117 passes for 1,564 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Before joining the Crimson Tide, Stewart was a three-time All-State selection for Fultondale -- in the athlete slot in 2010 and 2011 and at quarterback in 2012. He was the AWSA's Class 2A Back of the Year for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.