That optimism that built up on the status of Alijah Vera-Tucker just flew out the window. An MRI revealed that Vera-Tucker did in fact suffer a torn Achilles during Sunday’s game against the Broncos.
Buy Jets TicketsCoach Saleh confirms reports that OL Alijah Vera-Tucker will miss the rest of the season with an Achilles injury. pic.twitter.com/XmR2Uv6Zrz
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 9, 2023
It was originally thought early Monday that he had avoided major surgery and only suffered a calf injury. It looks like the concern shown by Robert Saleh was indeed warranted.
For the second straight season, Vera-Tucker suffers a season-ending injury in Denver. Last year, in Week 7, Vera-Tucker suffered a triceps injury. Now he becomes the second Jet, following Aaron Rodgers, to have a season-ending Achilles injury.
Max Mitchell will roll now as the starting right tackle and the Jets can eventually activate rookie Carter Warren. Billy Turner is the other backup tackle and Duane Brown is also still on injured reserve and can return to practice after Sunday’s game against the Eagles. Adding a veteran is also on the table.
The Jets moved Vera-Tucker two weeks ago in a line shuffle after placing Brown on IR, moving Mekhi Becton to left tackle and inserting Joe Tippmann into the starting lineup at right guard. Very unfortunate news for AVT and the Jets.
