Jeff Ulbrich shook up the New York Jets’ struggling offense in his first major move as interim head coach.

Ulbrich announced Thursday he replaced Nathaniel Hackett with Todd Downing as the offensive play caller. Downing, the Jets’ passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, takes over as New York prepares for a showdown with the AFC East-rival Buffalo Bills on Monday night.

“After a lot of time to think about it, and I did not make this decision easily, by any means, I’m going to make Todd Downing the play caller for the New York Jets moving forward,” Ulbrich said. “This is more a byproduct of a different take on things. Not saying it’s a better or worse take on things, by any means.

“But it’s just a different take on things. A fresh approach.”

Hackett — who is close to quarterback Aaron Rodgers — chose to remain with the team and will retain the offensive coordinator title, but is taking a back seat to Downing in what is now an undefined role.

Ulbrich took over as head coach Tuesday after owner Woody Johnson stunningly fired Robert Saleh with the team off to a 2-3 start and on a two-game losing streak.

“I knew there’d be changes after they let Robert go,” Rodgers said. “I had conversations with Brick over last the two days. I knew that he was thinking about it, leaning toward it, and I told him I’d back him up whatever he decided.”

New York can move into a tie with Buffalo for first place in the division with a win, but things need to get a lot better on offense first for that to happen.

The Jets with Rodgers at quarterback have been inconsistent this season and appeared conservative and predictable in the team’s past two games, in particular.

Hackett’s performance has been criticized by many fans and media, who thought the Jets needed a change. There were reports Saleh was considering making a similar move to demote Hackett before he was fired.

Also

• The New England Patriots are going with rookie Drake Maye as the starter for Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans, coach Jerod Mayo confirmed.

• The Houston Texans’ Nico Collins, the NFL’s leading receiver, will miss at least four games after being placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

• Aidan O’Connell will take over as the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders as coach Antonio Pierce is benching Gardner Minshew.

• New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler is scheduled to start Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, replacing the injured Derek Carr.

• New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers did not advance to the next step in the NFL’s concussion protocol, diminishing his chances of playing against Cincinnati on Sunday night.