Jets safety Marcus Maye out for season with torn Achilles tendon

New York Jets safety Marcus Maye began the 2021 NFL season playing on the franchise tag and without a long-term deal. Maye will now end the campaign on injured reserve. 

As noted by The Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Maye suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the third quarter of Thursday's loss at the Indianapolis Colts and won't play again this season. 

It's a brutal blow for Maye, who is set to hit free agency but will still be recovering from his injury when the new NFL year opens in March. Additionally, Maye could be suspended for at least a few games after it was learned in October he was arrested in February on charges related to DUI. Both the Jets and the league only learned of that arrest last month. 

"For Marcus, I've seen this story, unfortunately, one too many times in this league," Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters. "It's never good initially. It sucks. But the one thing with Marcus is he is a young man, he's got a tremendous mindset and he's made of grit. His ride's not over, his story's not over." 

Before the setback, Maye recorded 46 total tackles, one sack, four tackles for loss and two pass breakups this season. While some may wonder if Maye could return to the Jets on a one-year "prove it" deal, New York may also punish him, along with the league, because he didn't inform the club of his arrest shortly after the incident.