The New York Jets’ offensive line has suffered a significant loss days ahead of the 2025 season opener.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, New York fears that right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker suffered a season-ending torn tricep, the same injury that ended his 2022 season in Week 7.
The 26-year-old is getting a second opinion to confirm the injury and see if surgery is necessary.
Vera-Tucker managed to put together a healthy campaign in 2024, starting 15 games and reinforcing his reputation as one of the league’s premier right guards. Despite his strong play, the Jets opted against opening contract talks, choosing instead to let him play under the fifth-year option this season.
The USC product played all 916 of his snaps at right guard in 2024, allowing four sacks and 16 total pressures while committing five penalties. He earned a 77.7 overall grade, ranking 15th among guards, according to Pro Football Focus.
With Vera-Tucker’s injury, the Jets are expected to shuffle their interior line, most likely placing Josh Myers at center with regular starting center Joe Tippmann shifting to right guard.