The injuries are starting to pile up for the New York Jets after just two weeks of the season, leaving some positions dangerously thin.
The Jets confirmed that receiver Arian Smith is out for the season with a torn ACL suffered against Green Bay. His absence shakes an already low depth at the position, with Omar Cooper Jr. and Tim Patrick already on injured reserve. The Jets will be hoping Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell can hold the fort until Cooper Jr. returns.
The Smith IR report underlines why the Jets elevated receiver Malik McClain to the active roster from the practice squad. McClain had three catches in the preseason for 33 yards and is a gunner on special teams. He played for Florida State, Penn State and Arizona State during his collegiate career, scoring a combined 72 receptions for 993 yards and 8 touchdowns during his stops. He’s a big target at 6-5, 205.
New additions to the injury report include tight end Mason Taylor, who has a thumb injury, edge David Bailey, who has an elbow injury but was a full participant at practice, and linebacker Kiko Mauigoa, who did not practice with a quad injury. Taylor’s injury may be the most troublesome, as he has to catch the ball, but Mauigoa’s quad may limit him against speedy receivers.
The Jets also revealed defensive lineman David Onyemata has undergone core muscle surgery and will be out for several weeks. He is expected to return at some point in the season.
He joins fellow lineman Joseph Ossai on the sideline. The latter practiced on a limited basis for the first time since rupturing his plantar fascia during the third game of the preseason. Head coach Aaron Glenn described him as “very close.” His return would be a welcome addition to the Jets pass rush.
Still lingering on the injured reserve list is veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who suffered a groin pull six plays into the season. He did not practice and will be out at least another few weeks. Also not making progress is running back Kene Nwangwu, still hurting from a back injury.
Of the injury report candidates, Ossai has the best chance of seeing at least some limited action in the upcoming game against Detroit. The Jets will be hoping to disrupt the high-powered Lions offense by getting to quarterback Jared Goff, and a healthy Ossai would be a big addition to the rotation.
