Robert Saleh reveals New York Jets’ decisions on Elijah Moore, Alijah Vera-Tucker
Yesterday, New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh told the media that the team was planning to play rookie wide receiver Elijah Moore against the Philadelphia Eagles in Friday’s preseason finale.
Those plans have been scrapped.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Saleh said that he doubts Moore and fellow rookie Alijah Vera-Tucker will play against Philadelphia.
Saleh says he doubts Elijah Moore and Alijah Vera-Tucker will play Fri. night. #Jets https://t.co/BDV971R4sh
— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) August 25, 2021
Moore (quad) and Vera-Tucker (pec) returned to practice in full on Tuesday and have been participating in team drills. It seems that Saleh and the Jets are just playing it safe here.
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Will the Jets’ starters play?
It is still up in the air exactly how much the Jets’ starters will play on Friday.
Saleh stated that the starters will probably not go beyond halftime – which was the benchmark for most of the starting offense and some of the starting defense against Green Bay – but did not commit to that timeframe, making it clear that the Jets are still discussing it.
Saleh wants to play the starters on Friday night but probably not more than a half – although that’s all still being discussed. #Jets
— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) August 25, 2021
The offensive line is nicked up
Mekhi Becton sat out of Wednesday’s practice as he went through concussion protocol due to a collision on Tuesday.
Backup interior offensive lineman Jimmy Murray was carted off the field on Wednesday. His status is unclear. Murray had been playing left guard, center, and right guard for the Jets throughout their first two preseason games.
Greg Van Roten did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, but he was merely being given a veteran’s day off, according to Saleh.
In other news, Sheldon Rankins (knee) returned to practice and reportedly had a strong day against the Eagles’ offensive line. La’Mical Peirne left practice with a foot injury. Denzel Mims (hip) remains sidelined after he was labeled as day-to-day on Aug. 19 following an injury during practice in Green Bay.
The Jets will have Thursday off before taking the field at MetLife Stadium on Friday for their preseason finale against the Eagles, which will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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