Speaking at Friday’s media availability, New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh gave injury updates before Sunday’s game against the Eagles
The New York Jets will be down two of their critical special teamers and potentially one of their best defensive players against the Philadelphia Eagles.
At Friday’s media availability, head coach Robert Saleh said that Justin Hardee and Brandin Echols are ruled out for the matchup for the Eagles with hamstring injuries. He also mentioned that D.J. Reed‘s status for the game is still up in the air as he aims to return from a concussion.
Saleh said Justin Hardee and Brandin Echols are both out with hamstring injuries. Said DJ Reed’s status is still undetermined as he returns from a concussion. #Jets
— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) October 13, 2023
Saleh mentioned Irvin Charles as a “big deal” for the special teams unit while mentioning that the team has “reinforcements” ready. He also said that if Reed cannot play, Bryce Hall would get the start again, opposite of Sauce Gardner.
The losses of Hardee and Echols are considerable for the Jets. Both players are vital on special teams, especially on the punt coverage team. Without those experienced gunners, the Jets could be at a disadvantage in the field position battle.
Echols is also the team’s primary backup cornerback to Reed and Gardner when healthy.
While Reed’s status remains uncertain, his absence would be felt heavily in the matchup with Philadelphia. The Eagles have a talented wide receiver duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith that can challenge any defense in the league. Without Reed in the picture, it would put replacement Bryce Hall in a challenging position guarding Smith or Brown on any given play.
It will be very interesting to see what adjustments the Jets make on Sunday to try and overcome their injuries. Not to mention, this will also be the Jets’ first game without Alijah Vera-Tucker.
In an already tough matchup, the team will now have to overcome some extra adversity.
