New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich started his media availability by providing a laundry list of injury updates.
Offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle), defensive tackle Leki Fotu (knee), safety Ashtyn Davis (concussion), and safety Tony Adams (hamstring) will all not practice on Wednesday. Davis is in the concussion protocol. Offensive lineman Xavier Newman (neck), who Ulbrich said is “in a good place,” will be placed on injured reserve.
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Additionally, Morgan Moses will be limited with his knee injury. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has already dealt with multiple injuries this season, will be limited by a knee injury and a hamstring injury that “flared up” against the Steelers. Will McDonald, Allen Lazard, and Quincy Williams will also be limited.
In positive injury news, Michael Carter II will be a limited participant with his back injury, improving his status from last week. D.J. Reed will fully participate with his groin injury, as will Tyler Conklin and Chazz Surratt.
Regarding the secondary’s status and the injuries, Ulbrich said it was “the first time” he had ever dealt with something like that as a coach.
“Last week was the first time I’ve ever been through anything like that in my life. Virtually every starter was down. Now, we are very fortunate that we have some backups that came in, did a good job, and held their own. And, you know, we’re fortunate we’ve built good depth on this roster. So when those things happen, we have guys that can play.”
Ulbrich discussed Jalen Mills in this regard while also praising defensive backs coach Marquand Manuel for getting the veteran ready to play.
“He started and played every single snap, not just played, but played at a high level, in my opinion. What a testament to him.”
Regarding Haason Reddick, Ulbrich said that they will have a “full-speed” evaluation for Reddick tomorrow to “see where he is at physically.” He also added that he expects the star edge rusher to play this weekend and spoke about his conversations with Reddick.
“They’ve been fantastic. When he came in here, he tried to alleviate any sense of anybody looking at him sideways right away. The defense embraced him, and the team embraced him. I am excited to integrate him into what we do, and he’s excited to get started.”
When asked about managing play-calling and head coach duties, Ulbrich said that it has been “challenging” but that he is getting more used to it.
“I feel like every time I go out there, and this will be the third time, getting more and more comfortable with it. It’s not just game day. It’s the process of the week and getting the defense and the team ready. It’s an exciting challenge.
“I’m so fortunate to have a fantastic support staff here. I’m so fortunate to have an amazing locker room like we do. So everybody’s been super supportive of me. And as challenging as it is, it’s been exciting.”
Ulbrich added that scheduling and time management have been “learning on the run” and that he feels he is also improving in that area each week.
Ulbrich praised the locker room for being “strong” and the team for ” responding to adversity the right way.”
When asked about the additions of Davante Adams and Reddick in the middle of the season, Ulbrich said that it is a “challenge” to adjust but that it is a positive one. He specifically spoke about the impact Adams has already had.
“I felt like the addition of Devante last week was a great morale boost. I know it wasn’t necessarily reflected in the game, but the guys embraced him and were excited about him. He brought a different vibe to practice in the meetings. Even the talk that he did after the game was just spot-on and amazing. For a guy to show up to have the feel of the heartbeat of our locker room and to speak on it was, you know, he’s making us better in so many ways.”
Ulbrich spoke about Garrett Wilson, too, specifically regarding his development as a leader.
“Here’s a guy that wants to be a leader, and he is starting to demonstrate that, to take accountability like that and point the finger at himself. That’s that’s what we’re doing collectively as a team right now. And when your best players are approaching adversity like that, in my opinion, you have a chance to get out on the other side of this thing. So I thought it was a huge demonstration of maturity, growth, leadership, all of that.”
The Jets’ season is on thin ice, and they cannot afford any missteps going forward. Ulbrich and company must be locked in and be ready to roll against the Patriots.
New York can either come out firing to try to save its season or roll over and admit that it has reached the beginning of the end. It is up to the Jets during this week of practice to decide what the result will be.
