Achilles Tear Ends Season Early for Jets' Starting Tackle
It turned out to be a worst-case scenario for Alijah Vera-Tucker.
The New York Jets' starting right tackle suffered a season-ending injury against the Denver Broncos for the second year in a row.
"Unfortunately, the MRI showed that he did tear his Achilles, so he is out for the year," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh on Monday afternoon.
Vera-Tucker left Sunday's road game late in the second quarter and never returned. The Jets officially ruled him out with a calf injury after halftime.
"We're all kind of surprised because he played a play on it, he walked off on his own power, he walked to the locker-room on his own power," said Saleh. "I feel bad for him. He battled his way back this offseason from injury a year ago."
With the Jets operating in the two-minute drill, Vera-Tucker was seen limping off to the sideline two plays into the possession. The hobbled lineman continued to the locker-room as the first-half clock was winding down.
The loss is a body blow to a Jets' offensive line that had taken shape in recent weeks. The versatile Vera-Tucker started the season as the right guard before kicking out to tackle when Duane Brown landed on Injured Reserve. The 2021 first-round draft pick was an important piece amongst the front five.
Saleh suggested the Jets will stay "in house" when it comes to Vera-Tucker's replacement for the time being. Second-year pro Max Mitchell filled in at right tackle for the rest of Sunday's victory. Veteran Billy Turner is also an option.
On October 23, 2022, Vera-Tucker sustained a triceps injury in a road game against the Broncos and missed the remainder of the season. Less than one year later, Vera-Tucker will soon join quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the road to recovery from Achilles surgery.
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