The New York Jets could be without a key defensive player for their first game of the 2024 season.
According to Zack Rosenblatt of the Athletic, it remains “unclear if cornerback Michael Carter II will suit up for the Jets’ well-awaited Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.”
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During training camp practice on July 31st, Carter limped off the field with an ankle injury. Jets head coach Robert Saleh later told the media it “shouldn’t be a long-term deal.” Last week, Saleh provided an update on the nickel corner, saying he is still dealing with the injury but is “day-to-day.” The Jets take on the 49ers in less than two weeks, and losing Carter would make an already tough matchup even more challenging.
Carter has locked down the slot for the Jets these past two seasons. In 2023, the Georiga native held opposing receivers to a career-low 4.8 yards per target. Pro Football Focus ranked Carter as the ninth-best cornerback in the NFL and said, “Carter has been arguably the best slot cornerback in the game over the last two seasons. He allowed just one touchdown and eight first downs in 2023, giving up just 0.62 yards per coverage snap. He prevents separation and grades exceptionally well.”
PFF also graded Carter the 13th highest among all NFL cornerbacks, stating, “Carter started the season slowly, but after the Jets’ bye in Week 7, he was arguably the best cornerback in the NFL. From then on, he earned a 90.9 grade while allowing three first downs on 232 coverage snaps, forcing six incompletions and surrendering just 142 yards into his coverage.”
While Carter doesn’t gain as much notoriety as Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed, he is equally critical for the Jets’ defense. As he seeks another successful season shutting down opposing slot receivers, the Jets will need him in Week 1 to keep up with the high-flying 49ers offense.
