The injury bug has begun to hit the New York Jets in earnest once more. This time, it is safety Chuck Clark.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and the Jets’ website, the Jets have placed Clark on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least the next four games.
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Jets have placed S Chuck Clark on injured reserve, meaning he now will miss at least the next four games.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 15, 2024
Clark left Monday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills with an ankle injury, which was later reported to be an ankle sprain.
Ashtyn Davis took over for Clark, and Jalen Mills also saw limited work. Isaiah Oliver started in the slot for Michael Carter II and was therefore unavailable as the Jets’ third safety. Davis allowed a touchdown in coverage.
Clark had performed fairly well in recent weeks for the Jets. In particular, he continued his solid tackling (9.4% miss rate), something the rest of the Jets’ defense struggles with. He is also a key communicator in the back end of the defense. Losing him is a blow.
It remains to be seen how long Clark will be out. The fact that he is on injured reserve means this is most likely a high-ankle sprain, which can be notoriously difficult to recover from. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said his recovery timetable is unknown.
Jeff Ulbrich said it's too early to say how long Chuck Clark or DJ Reed might be out from their injuries suffered last night.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) October 15, 2024
D.J. Reed also went down with a groin injury against the Bills, and there is no further word on his status at this time. Reed struggled in the game before his injury, as he allowed 5 catches on 6 targets for 70 yards and was called for two pass interference penalties (although one was offset by an offensive penalty). Brandin Echols replaced him and allowed 3 catches on 3 targets for 36 yards.
With the Jets already down Jermaine Johnson for the season and Carter II for an unspecified period, the loss of Clark for at least four games looms large. The defense had its struggles against the Bills and will seek to get back on track against a scuffling Steelers offense next week.
