Injury Prevents Jets' Starting DE from Practicing Wednesday

It's possible the New York Jets will be forced to replace a starting defensive end when the Houston Texans visit MetLife Stadium in Week 14.

Reliable edge rusher John Franklin-Myers was not available for Wednesday's practice due to a new injury.

"Really quick, [Jason] Brownlee, John Franklin-Myers, Aaron [Rodgers] will not participate in practice today," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh at the podium in Florham Park. "JFM is dealing with an ankle."

The 27-year-old Franklin-Myers has started all 12 games this season. Part of the defensive alignment nearly 60 percent of the time, he has recorded 24 tackles, 3.0 sacks, three pass deflections and 12 quarterback hits. Franklin-Myers was on the field for 42 of the team's 68 defensive snaps in the Week 13 loss to Atlanta.

The Jets employ a deep rotation of edge rushers, including 2022 first-round draft pick Jermaine Johnson and first-round rookie Will McDonald. Johnson leads team with 6.5 sacks. The team usually dresses defensive ends at least five defensive ends on gameday. Meanwhile, veteran Carl Lawson has been a healthy scratch each of the past three weeks.

Brownlee suffered an ankle injury during last Sunday's setback. The undrafted rookie receiver played 34 offensive snaps but was not targeted in the passing game. Saleh hinted at the possibility that Brownlee could be back in time to face the Texans on December 10.

"We’ll see how that goes over the course of the week," said Saleh on Monday.

Rodgers, who is working within his 21-day activation window, practiced twice last week in a limited capacity and will be alternating between on-field activity and rehabilitation. 

READ