Injured during the New York Jets’ victory against the Denver Broncos, Alijah Vera-Tucker was ruled out for the year on Monday
On Monday, New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh announced that Alijah Vera-Tucker would miss the rest of the season with a torn Achilles.
The Jets’ head coach said he was “surprised” by the diagnosis and that “to have this happen again, it’s unfortunate.”
Robert Saleh confirms that Alijah Vera-Tucker is out for the season with a torn Achilles:
"To have this happen again, it's unfortunate." pic.twitter.com/rhvZYjVoAQ
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) October 9, 2023
It is the second consecutive year that Vera-Tucker has suffered a season-ending injury in Denver. In Week 7 of 2022, Vera-Tucker suffered a torn triceps against the Broncos, ending his second season after only seven games. Vera-Tucker’s third NFL season will end after only five games.
Vera-Tucker’s injury is a massive blow, as he has been one of the Jets’ best and most versatile players on offense. The USC product has split his time between right guard and right tackle this season, looking comfortable at both spots. He has also played left guard and left tackle in the past.
While Saleh declined to announce the team’s plan to replace Vera-Tucker in Week 6, Max Mitchell replaced Vera-Tucker at right tackle against the Broncos on Sunday and did not look out of place. It will be tougher sledding against the Eagles next week, which may prompt the offense to get more creative to overcome Vera-Tucker’s absence.
Vera-Tucker should be able to return next year alongside quarterback Aaron Rodgers and continue his upper-level play on the offensive line. In the meantime, though, the Jets will have to weather yet another blow to their offense.
