The Jets hope that starting left tackle Duane Brown will be able to play Sunday despite not practicing all week.
The 38-year-old offensive lineman didn’t take part in any of the team’s three practices as he nurses a hip injury.
He was listed as questionable to face the Patriots at MetLife Stadium.
“I still feel good about his availability for Sunday, but he is just getting some things checked out with the doctor,” head coach Robert Saleh said. “I am not worried about him as a veteran, not practicing and still showing up to play.”
Saleh said the Jets have plans in place if Brown cannot go, but declined to reveal them.
Those plans do not include moving right tackle Mekhi Becton to left tackle.
It appears more likely that one of the two backup offensive tackles, Billy Turner or Max Mitchell, would start at left tackle if Brown does not play.
The offensive line was a major problem against the Cowboys.
Quarterback Zach Wilson was pressured on 16 of 30 passing plays, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, and the Jets ran for just 64 yards on 16 carries.
Now that same unit hasn’t had any practice time together in between games after barely working alongside one another in training camp due to a variety of injuries.
“Continuity is always key, and you want to keep guys together, but that’s not the way this league works. That’s why during OTAs and training camp, you’re always moving guys up and down the line and working different combinations,” Saleh said. “In a game, you’re going to have to be [have] to adjust on the fly and communicate with different humans, so you’re always practicing for the worst case scenario, but making sure guys are getting their reps in too. So, we prepared for it, it’s never ideal. You want to keep the same guys the whole year, but you just have to roll with the hand that you’ve been dealt.”
Starting safety Tony Adams (hamstring) was ruled out for the game.
Adrian Amos and Ashtyn Davis will fill in for him. … Kicker Greg Zuerlein (groin) is questionable after he practiced fully for the first time this week.
He missed the loss to the Cowboys last Sunday. Defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers (hip) is also questionable. … Offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer (concussion) is out.
Credit: Source link
