The Jets have lost yet another offensive lineman to injury and it’s arguably their biggest blow yet.
Alijah Vera-Tucker is done for the season with a triceps injury. He suffered the injury during Sunday’s win over the Broncos. Cedric Ogbuehi will be the starting right tackle for the time being.
Head coach Robert Saleh confirmed the news, along with the Breece Hall injury, during his media session Monday. He also confirmed the Ogbuehi news.
Vera-Tucker becomes the latest in what almost looks like Santa Claus’ list of offensive linemen that have gone down with injury, including Mekhi Becton, Duane Brown, George Fant and Max Mitchell. Becton, of course, is out for the season while Brown has returned. Fant and Mitchell should be back soon, though Saleh said he doesn’t expect Fant this week. Fant is eligible to come off injured reserve this week but the Jets are not expecting to do so. Mitchell can return next week.
Vera-Tucker gave the Jets a ton of flexibility during the other injuries, having played three positions this season (right guard, left tackle, right tackle) and playing all three at a high level. He was on his way to a Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection. He will be very difficult to replace.
The Jets left Denver with a 5-2 record and a four-game winning streak, but they have now lost, arguably, their two best offensive players for the year in Hall and Vera-Tucker. Players like Michael Carter and Ogbuehi (and eventually Mitchell and Fant) will need to step up big-time to keep the Jets’ playoff hopes alive.
