If the report is true, then the Adrian Amos signing becomes much more valuable.
Hours after the New York Jets introduced the veteran safety on social media, reports began to surface that presumed starter Chuck Clark had suffered a "serious injury."
Citing "sources," The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt said, through a tweet, "it’s believed that Chuck Clark suffered a serious knee injury." He proceeded to link the reported injury to Amos's late signing, which happened three months after free agency began.
KPRC 2 Houston reporter Aaron Wilson, who formerly covered the Ravens for the Baltimore Sun, posted a tweet saying "there's major concern that Jets veteran safety Chuck Clark may have suffered season-ending knee injury, including potential anterior cruciate ligament damage." He noted that a second opinion is being sought.
A season-ending injury to Clark would deliver a blow to the Jets' defense, but the addition of Amos can potentially offset the hit.
Head coach Robert Saleh expressed noticeable excitement shortly after Gang Green traded for Clark in March.
"Chuck, another one of those guys who just freaking loves ball. Eats it, lives it. Got a tremendous mindset to him," said Saleh at the NFL League Meetings. "Just an incredible talent, tackling machine, so he’s getting into a safety room that we’re really excited about."
Set for his seventh NFL season, the 28-year old Clark appeared to fit in well during OTAs. Jets' defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said Clark had already developed an on-field rapport with fellow veteran safety Jordan Whitehead.
"Already, just their relationship out here has been, it’s been exceptional," said Ulbrich at his OTAs press conference. "You can see Chuck, there’s a reason he’s played such consistent football for such a long time."
Clark was admittedly "ready to get out" of Baltimore where he played nearly 100 percent of the defensive snaps each of the past three seasons.
"I'm excited to be here," said Clark during a post-practice podium appearance.
Clark, a sixth-round pick by the Ravens in 2017, became a staple in Baltimore's defensive backfield. He missed only one game in the last five years. Coincidentally, it was a 2021 contest against Aaron Rodgers's Green Bay Packers.
The versatile safety broke the 100-tackle barrier during his final season as a Raven. He possesses starting experience at multiple spots on the field.
"Honestly, I just play wherever. That's what I did when I was in Baltimore," said Clark. "I played from nickel to dime linebacker, strong safety, free safety, so I just had range to move around. I don't think you should limit yourself as a ball player."
Unfortunately, Clark may be limited by injury in 2023. Should the speculation prove accurate, Amos would instantly become an important piece to Saleh and Ulbrich's defense.
Amos has been an NFL starting safety for the past eight seasons. The former Chicago Bears' draft pick made no fewer than 65 combined stops every year as a pro, including a career-high 102 tackles in 2022.
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