Both the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers are banged up heading into Week 2, including Jamison Crowder and George Kittle.
FLORHAM PARK, NJ—Just when it can’t possibly get worse, the New York Jets‘ most consistent weapon goes down.
Slot receiver Jamison Crowder will miss the Jets’ Week 2 game against the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday, per Adam Gase’s Friday morning time with the media.
“(Jamison) Crowder, he won’t participate today (and) he’ll be out for the game,” Gase said.
Despite Crowder’s loss admittedly looming large, this means Braxton Berrios has one giant opportunity ahead of him. He’ll slot in as Sam Darnold’s slot weapon this Sunday in the home-opener.
“Crowder has been probably our best player on offense the last two years,” Gase added. “Berrios, his skill set fits what we do. We always try to develop a role for him throughout the week (and) we’ve got to do it in a way to where Crowder stays on the field. I mean they play the same spot. I’m just glad he’s here, because I think it’s rare to have two slots that could be starters in this league.
The overall confidence level in Berrios remains extremely high.
“But Braxton, I have a lot of confidence in him. When we got him last year, I was really excited just seeing him throughout college. We’ll get out there and it seems like him and Sam have good chemistry because they’ve worked enough together.”
Interestingly, Berrios didn’t receive many reps with the first team this August. As a slot perfectionist, he mainly ran with the second team. Perhaps Gase is looking at the entire body of work that began early last season.
Official Jets-Niners Friday injury report. #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/XOs6cuWpIt
— Robby Sabo (@RobbySabo) September 18, 2020
George Kittle will miss the game as well, to nobody’s surprise. The knee injury he sustained in his team’s Week 1 loss to the Arizona Cardinals will keep him sidelined for this one. It’s a huge blow for Kyle Shanahan’s offense considering the lack of weapons outside.
Cornerback Jason Verrett will also miss the contest due to a hamstring while edge Dee Ford is questionable with a neck injury.
Elsewhere for the Jets, Joe Flacco (neck) remains out while Tarell Basham (hip), La’Mical Perine (ankle) and Avery Williamson (hamstring) are listed as questionable. With Le’Veon Bell on the shelf, Perine’s presence would be a big lift for the offense. He finally hit the practice field for the first time in quite some time Thursday.
Kickoff between the Jets and 49ers is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET this Sunday from MetLife Stadium.
