FLORHAM PARK -- It hasn't clicked for ArDarius Stewart. Nine games into his NFL career, he hasn't made any form of an on-field impact.

Part of that's because he hasn't had an opportunity. But with Jets' slot receiver Jeremy Kerley suspended the next four weeks, that could change soon.

Stewart's well aware. And he can't wait. Because once coaches give him a chance to show what he can do ...

"I'm going to bust this thing wide-open," he told NJ Advance Media.

Stewart made quite the first impression moments after the Jets drafted him. On his introductory conference call, he told all he planned to bring a "load" of "awesomeness" to the offense. To this point, though, that hasn't happened.

Stewart missed most of rookie minicamp, organized team activities and veteran minicamp after groin and thumb surgery. When he returned in training camp, he was behind the eight ball. Despite his high draft status (third round), Stewart never climbed the depth chart. When the Jets signed Kerley after the 53-man cut down, Stewart fell down.

Stewart's been active for eight of nine games this season, but played just 19.6 percent of the offense's snaps. He has four catches for 36 yards, and three rushes for 18. He's returned nine kickoffs for an average of 19.3 yards per return.

The Jets have started to manufacture touches for Stewart (screens, end-arounds), but haven't settled on how to use him yet.

"I really don't have a home," Stewart said. "We're trying to figure out where I'm going to be. Wherever I get in is where I'm going to be, and where I'm going to play. I'm ready to do it all."

At Alabama, Stewart was a dynamic player with the ball in his hands. He totaled 1,646 yards of offense and scored 12 touchdowns his final two seasons. There's no doubt he can play. He just hasn't turned the corner yet with the Jets.

But that could happen soon.

Robby Anderson and Jermaine Kearse will remain the Jets' top two receivers. But with Kerley out, they're looking for a slot.

Stewart, and fellow rookie Chad Hansen, are the only healthy receivers left. Considering Hansen is more of an outside guy, this could be Stewart's chance to shine.

"We're going to see when the game comes up," he said. "I'm always ready. Just going to have to see. I don't know yet. We'll find out when that day comes. We just got to see."

Connor Hughes may be reached at chughes@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connor_J_Hughes. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.