The New York Jets are starting to feel the sting of training camp injuries as multiple key players have gone down in the past week. Although none of the injuries appear to be long-term, the number of banged-up players is becoming a concern for head coach Aaron Glenn and his staff, especially with the regular season just around the corner.
Quarterback Justin Fields gave everyone a scare early in camp when he narrowly avoided a serious injury on just the second day of practice. Unfortunately, the next setback came on the defensive side as Pro Bowl defensive tackle Quinnen Williams strained his left calf. He’s expected to be sidelined for one to two weeks, which is relatively good news considering how critical he is to the Jets’ defensive front.
Now, four more players are being closely monitored. Rookie tight end Mason Taylor has been diagnosed with a high ankle sprain, which will keep him out for at least a week. That’s a disappointing development for the Jets’ already thin receiving group, where Taylor was expected to contribute heavily. He had been building chemistry with Fields and was looking like a bright spot in camp before this setback.
Veteran backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor is also being evaluated for a knee injury. Coach Glenn says it’s not expected to be serious, but any absence during this critical period of installation and preparation is less than ideal. Tyrod’s experience and leadership are important for a young quarterback room, and his health will be something to watch.
Defensive end Aaron McDonald IV is dealing with back spasms, and defensive lineman Byron Cowart is sidelined with an ankle issue. Cowart, who notched 2.5 sacks with the Bears last season, was brought in to provide valuable depth on the defensive line, so his status will also be worth monitoring in the coming days.
On a slightly more optimistic note, Jermaine Johnson II has yet to return to practice but posted a personal update saying he expects to be ready for Week 1. That’s a positive sign, especially with the Jets preparing for a high-profile season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Overall, while the injuries don’t seem season-altering at this stage, the Jets will need a healthy roster to compete at the level they’re aiming for. With the AFC as competitive as ever, early-season momentum could make a big difference. For now, the hope is that all injured players recover quickly and avoid any setbacks as the regular season approaches.