Jets' Injury Update: Offensive Tackle Won't Face Raiders, First-Round Rookie Misses Practice
New York Jets' head coach Robert Saleh delivered two pieces of significant injury news from the podium on Friday morning and neither was promising for the looming Sunday Night Football matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
First, Saleh revealed that veteran offensive tackle Billy Turner underwent successful surgery to a repair a finger issue. After starting the Week 9 home game against the Los Angeles Chargers, and playing all 81 offensive snaps at right tackle, the 32-year-old Turner has not practiced this week. He has been ruled out for Sunday night.
"The surgery went well. He'll be out for this week. We'll see what happens next week," said Saleh.
Next, Saleh told reporters to expect to see rookie defensive end Will McDonald on the injury report later today. The first-round edge rusher was in on his first career sack Monday night, but now his Week 10 availability is in question.
"He's dealing with an ankle. He finished practice yesterday, but it popped up this morning," said Saleh on Friday.
Fortunately, the Jets employ a deep rotation of edge rushers, so McDonald's potential absence isn't as worrisome as another loss for the injury-ravaged offensive line.
Turner became the fourth different player to start at right tackle for the Jets this season. Now, Gang Green must audible again.
"He's dealing with a surgically repaired finger. It happened during the game," said Saleh prior to Friday's practice in Florham Park. "We'll see on Sunday [what the offensive line configuration will look like]. We've got a good plan."
The plan could involve kicking second-year pro Max Mitchell back out to right tackle and inserting Xavier Newman or Chris Glaser in his place at right guard. Regardless, it won't be easy for the Jets to contain Raiders' edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who is coming off a 3.0-sack performance.
The Jets and Raiders will kick off NBC's Sunday Night Football at 8:20 pm ET on November 12 at Allegiant Stadium. The visiting Jets enter as a 1.5-point betting favorite.
Saleh also reported that backup linebacker, and core special teamer, Chazz Surratt will miss a second straight game due to an ankle injury.
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