During Friday’s media availability, the NY Jets’ head coach gave injury updates about the team’s offensive line
The New York Jets will be utilizing yet another combination of offensive linemen.
On Friday, Robert Saleh announced that Billy Turner is out for Sunday’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The veteran lineman had surgery for his finger injury that occurred during last week’s matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Duane Brown was also ruled out for Sunday’s game, signaling that he is not quite ready to return to the field for the Jets.
Outside of the offensive line, rookie edge rusher Will McDonald popped up on the injury report with an ankle injury and will not practice today, according to Saleh.
Robert Saleh says LB Chazz Surratt (ankle) and OL Billy Turner (finger) will be out against Raiders. Turner had surgery – injury happened during the game vs. Chargers.
Will McDonald won't practice today. Dealing with an ankle.
OT Duane Brown will remain out. #Jets
— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) November 10, 2023
The loss of Turner is the latest setback to befall an already injury-riddled offensive line. Turner joins Brown, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Connor McGovern, and Wes Schweitzer as offensive linemen to be missing in action.
Between the injuries and constant rotating of players at positions, such as Mekhi Becton playing both tackle spots and Joe Tippmann moving from guard to center, the Jets are stuck playing Jenga with their offensive line.
It remains to be seen how the unit will adjust for Sunday’s game, but not many options remain for the Jets. They recently signed former Pro Bowler Rodger Saffold to their practice squad, but Saleh already dismissed the idea of him playing this week.
Robert Saleh says to "not count on" Rodger Saffold being ready to play this week for the #Jets
— Nick Faria (@Nick_Faria1720) November 8, 2023
The Jets could call up Xavier Newman once again, giving them the flexibility to play him and Tippmann as a combination of right guard and center.
Regardless of what the Jets decide to do, the reality is that their offensive line will be scraped together. With injuries to both starters and depth pieces, it is hard to construct a unit that can consistently produce.
The Jets have plenty of issues on offense, and having a constantly shifting offensive line is one of the most glaring ones. For the Jets to win on Sunday, their make-shift unit will have to overcome yet another injury and find a way to collectively produce.
