Offensive tackle Max Mitchell should be back for New York Jets
New York Jets offensive tackle Max Mitchell was carted off the field during the team’s eventual 24-20 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The rookie fourth-round pick played 41 offensive snaps until suffering a knee injury during the second quarter. Mitchell was later seen with crutches in the locker room.
Despite initial fears that Mitchell’s injury was season-ending, it appears he will be back in action sooner rather than later, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The #Jets got some positive injury news: Sources say OL Max Mitchell did not suffer a season-ending knee injury. While he did have a dislocation and will miss several weeks, Mitchell should be back long before the end of the season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 3, 2022
Rapoport says Mitchell suffered a knee dislocation that is not season-ending, which will keep him out several weeks but should have him back “long” before the end of the season.
Mitchell is the fourth Jets tackle to suffer a significant injury this season, following in the footsteps of Mekhi Becton, Duane Brown, and George Fant. His absence leaves the Jets scrambling for answers going into Week 5.
Right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker took over at left tackle for Fant against Pittsburgh, performing admirably. Nate Herbig filled in for Vera-Tucker at right guard.
When Mitchell left the game, he was replaced by Conor McDermott, who was initially expected to take over at left tackle before Vera-Tucker surprisingly filled in.
In addition to McDermott, the Jets have three other options to replace Mitchell at right tackle: Grant Hermanns, Mike Remmers, and Cedric Ogbuehi. The latter two are veteran starters who were recently signed by the Jets. Ogbuehi is on the Jets’ active roster while Hermanns and Remmers are on the practice. Hermanns was promoted from the Jets’ practice squad on Sunday while Ogbuehi was inactive.
The Jets hope to get Duane Brown back at some point this year, although it is unclear when that will be. Brown will come off injured reserve this week but it is unknown whether he will be ready to play. Until Brown or Mitchell is back, they will have to make do with what they’ve got.
