Another Jets' Player Lands in Concussion Protocol as Season Winds Down

Quarterback, tight end and offensive guard all dealing with head injuries heading into Week 18

Author:
Ralph Ventre
Publish date:
Dec 29, 2023 4:31 PM EST

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The head injuries are starting to stack up for the New York Jets with offensive lineman Jake Hanson becoming the latest victim during a Thursday Night Football loss in Cleveland.

The Jets entered the December 28 game without the services of quarterback Zach Wilson and second-year tight end Jeremy Ruckert, both unavailable due to concussions. Following the 37-20 primetime road loss, offensive guard Jake Hanson joined his two teammates in the mandated protocol.

"Just going to cover one injury, it’s Jacob Hansen. He’s in the concussion protocol," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh on Friday in Florham Park.

The 26-year-old Hanson made his fourth consecutive start as the Jets' right guard but lasted only 27 offensive snaps in his latest outing against the Browns.

Xavier Newman, who was signed to the 53-man roster on December 16, relieved Hanson in the third quarter and played all but one snap the remainder of the way. Veteran Billy Turner came into the game for one play when Newman was temporarily shaken up in the fourth quarter.

Hanson, who spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons as a reserve lineman with the Green Bay Packers, joined the Jets as a Practice Squad player in November. He was thrice a gameday elevation and eventually signed to the active roster when veteran Swiss Army knife Wes Schweitzer went on Injured Reserve.

Hanson and Newman included, the Jets have started six different men at right guard in 2023.

Now one of three Jets in the concussion protocol, Hanson is in danger of missing the regular season finale. Wilson landed in concussion protocol midway through Miami game on December 17 and has not participated in practice since. Ruckert missed his first game of the season in Week 17. The tight end totaled 28 snaps in the December 24 win over Washington but sustained a head injury along the way.

As for status updates, the Jets aren't required to release their next injury report until Wednesday, January 3. New York will visit the New England Patriots for the regular season finale in Week 18.