The New York Jets lost more than a game on Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
In the biggest hit, starting left guard Dylan Parham went down late in the game with a knee injury. He was seen today at the Jets facility with a large air cast on his left knee, indicating he’s likely out for a long stretch.
Parham, who was brought in as a free agent on a two-year contract for $16 million scaling to $20 million, had been off to a strong start as a Jet. He had one of the team’s highest PFF ratings last week against Green Bay, and was also strong in the opener against the Tennessee Titans.
Jordan Meredith is the next man up to replace Parham. The 28-year-old Meredith played four years for Western Kentucky, then had a summer stint with the Los Angeles Rams as an unsigned free agent before missing the final cut.
He was signed to the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad, then elevated to the regular roster. He played guard and center for the Raiders and was traded to the Jets in August for line depth.
The Jets also lost star running back Breece Hall to an injury in the fourth quarter against Detroit. Hall was chased out of bounds trying to turn the corner on a run, and grabbed his thigh area.
No specifics have been divulged on what’s likely a pulled muscle. Hall has struggled in his last two games. In the Detroit contest, he had just 32 yards on 13 carries against the Lions, following an equally inept 29 yards against the Packers.
“It sucks, but it’s part of the game,” Hall said after the game. “I felt something when I was running, and then got tackled and planted it and felt something. So, we’ll see.’’
If Hall is out, it leaves the Jets thin at running back. Next man up is Braelon Allen, considered more of a short-yardage power back. He gained 14 yards on four carries in the Detroit game.
On the shelf, Kene Nwangwu has been on the injury list with a back injury and has been listed as week-to-week. Running back Chip Trayanum is on injured reserve with a neck injury and is out for the season.
The Jets also have Isaiah Davis, who hasn’t touched the ball on offense this year, and practice squad RB Al-Jay Henderson.
There could be some interest in free agent backs, but the Jets would likely hold off to see how well Hall’s injury responds to treatment. Despite the lackluster results in the last two games, he’s an important part of the Jets offense.
Any prolonged absence by Hall would be yet another key piece missing from the Jets offense. No. 2 receiver Adonai Mitchell missed the Detroit game with a hand injury, and the Jets have not indicated how serious it is. His replacement, Isaiah Williams, caught one pass for 21 yards.
