EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard, who had high expectations after signing a lucrative free agent contract in March, will be inactive for Friday's game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium, according to sources.

Lazard's absence from the game was initially reported by SNY and has been confirmed by a source familiar with the situation. The wide receiver, who started the first 10 games of the season, has been experiencing a difficult year on the field. With only 20 receptions for 290 yards and a lone touchdown, Lazard has struggled to make a significant impact. Adding to his woes, he has also registered three dropped passes, as reported by ESPN Stats & Information.

Lazard joined the New York Jets after leaving the Green Bay Packers to sign a four-year, $44 million contract in the offseason. The deal included $22 million in guarantees, making it the most lucrative guarantee for any free agent wide receiver in the 2023 offseason. Lazard's decision to join the Jets was largely influenced by the prospect of reuniting with his former Packers teammate, Aaron Rodgers.

However, Rodgers suffered a debilitating Achilles injury during the fourth play of the season, leading to a downward spiral for the Jets' offense as a whole.

With a record of 4-6, the Jets have been struggling to find offensive consistency, having scored only nine touchdowns prior to Friday's game. In an attempt to shake up the lineup this week, the team made the decision to bench quarterback Zach Wilson, replacing him with veteran Tim Boyle.

Allen Lazard's role on the team was initially intended to be the No. 2 receiver, complementing Garrett Wilson. Unfortunately, the entire Jets receiving corps, apart from Wilson, has faced challenges throughout the season.

In other injury news impacting the team, left tackle Mekhi Becton will also be inactive for the game due to a sprained ankle. Becton had been listed as questionable following an injury sustained in Sunday's game. The Jets will now turn to either rookie Carter Warren or Duane Brown, who has been activated from injured reserve, to fill the void at left tackle.

As the Jets face the Dolphins in a crucial game, both Lazard's absence and Becton's injury will undoubtedly have an impact on the team's performance. The Jets will need to find ways to overcome these obstacles and salvage their season, with hopes of turning their fortunes around in the remaining games.