In his latest media availability, Robert Saleh revealed that two depth players for the New York Jets will be out on Monday night.
The Jets head coach said that linebacker Zaire Barnes (ankle) and offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer (hand) will not play in the team’s opening matchup against the 49ers. Saleh added that both injuries happened during the week and called them “unfortunate.”
Later in the day, the team announced that Schweitzer had been placed on injured reserve. New York has not announced a corresponding move.
We have placed OL Wes Schweitzer on reserve/injured.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 7, 2024
The Jets’ depth will take a hit without Barnes and Schweitzer. Barnes provides value as a backup linebacker and key special teams contributor. Schweitzer was the primary backup on the interior of the team’s offensive line. Losing him significantly limits the depth options at those positions.
However, the Jets should be able to survive Barnes and Schweitzer being out.
At the linebacker position, Jamien Sherwood and even practice squad player Chazz Surratt can step up. They can easily replace Barnes’s production on Monday night.
As for Schweitzer’s absence, the depth is a bit more questionable. The next man up is Xavier Newman, who struggled for the Jets last season. However, Newman showed a ton of progress in the preseason. They also could call up Kohl Levao or Jake Hanson from the practice squad.
On the team’s final injury report, Barnes and Schweitzer are the only players listed with any designations going into the game. Each of the other five players – Tyron Smith (rest), Jarrick Bernard-Converse (groin), Max Mitchell (shoulder), Xavier Newman (shoulder), and Mike Williams (knee) – practiced fully on both Friday and Saturday.
