As if the season couldn’t get any worse, the New York Jets saw one of their bright spots fall to injury. Quinton Jefferson is officially out for the remainder of the season after sustaining a hip injury.
Jefferson picked up the health setback in the Miami Dolphins’ Week 15 shutout (30-0) of the Jets. The 30-year-old defensive end didn’t finish the first half and had to leave due to the injury. He ended up playing just 11 snaps.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh said after the game that the injury “doesn’t look good,” and sure enough, their worst fears were confirmed when they had to place Jefferson on the Injured Reserve. With only three games left on the season and the IR requiring players to serve at least four games, it effectively ends the veteran’s first season in New York.
It’s certainly a rather heartbreaking development for both the New York Jets and Quinton Jefferson considering the team’s situation. The Jets are already out of playoff contention, but they would certainly want to end the season on a positive note. With that said, Jefferson’s absence is a major blow.
Jefferson was having quite the career year with the Jets despite the team’s overall struggles. Through the 14 games he played, he tallied 34 tackles, four tackles for loss, as well as a career-high six sacks.
In a corresponding move, the Jets elevated Jalyn Holmes from the practice squad to the active roster. They also signed DL Manny Jones to the practice squad.
It remains to be seen what’s next for Jefferson, though he’s set to be a free agent once again after signing a one-year, $3.6 million contract with Green Bay during the offseason.
New York Jets’ Injury Woes Continue
Of course Quinton Jefferson isn’t the only injury casualty for the New York Jets. As many fans would know, Zach Wilson’s status for their upcoming Week 16 game is also a big question mark after he sustained a concussion in Week 15.
Wilson remains in the concussion protocol, though Robert Saleh has yet to rule the QB out. He’s not closing the door just yet on Wilson’s potential start since the young signal-caller is progressing in his recovery.
On the brighter side, Aaron Rodgers has been activated off the IR. But before fans get too excited, it’s worth noting that Rodgers has not yet been medically cleared to play. Saleh simply wants him to be around the team because he’s a good influence and his presence has a positive impact on the roster.
Hopefully, the Jets get healthier sooner rather than later. As fans look forward to 2024, their health will be also crucial in trying to fulfill their goals.
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