New York Jets tight end C.J. Uzomah (87) celebrates with guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Another crushing injury for a member of the New York Jets offense has left them trusting in their depth once again halfway through the NFL season.
New York has mitigated the loss of Aaron Rodgers from his Achilles injury. Now, they’ll have to do the same for Alijah Vera-Tucker after he suffered the same injury in the Jets 31-21 win over the Broncos.
Unlike the Rodgers injury, the Jets have a few solid options to replace AVT as the starting right tackle this season. Whether it’s trusting the depth of the roster or bringing in a quality starter on the open market, Gang Green is better prepared for the loss of Vera-Tucker than they were last season.
Trust Max Mitchell to start at RT for the rest of 2023
New York’s coaching staff has been high on second-year offensive lineman Max Mitchell since drafting him in the fourth round. He started five games for the Jets in 2022 and played pretty well before a serious health concern ended his season.
Mitchell did struggle in training camp, but he did play “decent” according to head coach Robert Saleh in relief of Vera-Tucker in Sunday’s win over Denver.
“He’s going to give you everything he’s got. He’s someone we have full faith in,” said Saleh of Mitchell.
The best option for the Jets this season is that Mitchell plays well enough that they don’t have to make a corresponding move. If Mitchell does well, and Mekhi Becton stays healthy, that will allow veteran lineman Duane Brown to be a backup once he comes off IR in Week 8 – a much easier situation to deal with than the opposite.
As options go, this is the best-case scenario for Gang Green this year to replace Vera-Tucker.
Sign La’el Collins
If the Jets aren’t…
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