Austin Seferian-Jenkins has been in football exile for the past two Sundays.

While his Jets teammates were playing the Bills and Raiders, Seferian-Jenkins was in his room, by himself, watching.

“It definitely was tough,” the tight end said this week. “I can’t even explain it. I didn’t go out or anything like that. I kind of locked myself in my room and kind of watched it by myself in my room.

“It was tough, but I’m back.”

Seferian-Jenkins was suspended for the first two games of the season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The suspension stemmed from a DUI arrest Sept. 23, 2016. A year later, Seferian-Jenkins says he has been sober for almost 250 days. He spent this offseason losing more than 30 pounds and getting his life in order.

“I’m fortunate to be standing with y’all, being able to play football with a clear head and a clear mind, a good perspective and healthy,” he said. “I really appreciate the opportunity to be here, because I know how easily it can be taken away from you. I know how fragile life is. I know a lot of things are in life and everything can change in a split second. Right now, I’m here and I’m working hard. It’s really a blessing to be standing here.”

The Jets hope Seferian-Jenkins can have a big impact for them this year. He was barely a factor after the team picked him up off waivers last season when he was cut by the Buccaneers. But the Jets are emphasizing the tight end again, and Seferian-Jenkins looked like the most improved player this offseason.

“We’re fired up to have him back,” quarterback Josh McCown said. “His size and speed and his catch radius, what he brings to the table in the passing game will be helpful, but also in the run game.”

Expect some serious hugs after this game between the two quarterbacks. McCown and Dolphins quarterback Jay Cutler spent three years together with the Bears, and they spent this week talking about how much respect they have for each other.

“I love the guy,” Cutler said. “I mean we could sit here for an hour and I can tell you all the great things about him. He’s a heck of a competitor, unbelievable guy in the locker room, unbelievable guy in the quarterback room, selfless. He’s one of those guys that you run across and you’re happy that you had him as a teammate because he’s one of a kind.”

McCown said sometimes people have the wrong idea about Cutler.

“People that know Jay the best, know who he is and what kind of guy he is, appreciate him a ton,” McCown said. “I think he’s a little misunderstood sometimes, but that’s OK. The best thing about him is he’s comfortable enough to not worry about those things and only cares about those who care about him so it’s cool.”