Jets' Starting Left Tackle Unavailable for Sunday's Game vs. Patriots
The New York Jets will have to exercise Plan B when it comes to their starting left tackle against the New England Patriots on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Veteran bookend Duane Brown has been downgraded to OUT after missing practice all week. He was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report and head coach Robert Saleh was holding out hope that the 38-year-old would be able to give it a go in Week 3.
"Duane Brown, you guys won’t see him today," said Saleh on Friday in Florham Park. "I still feel good about his availability for Sunday, but he is just getting some things checked out with the doctor."
Brown played 100 percent of offensive snaps through the first two regular season contests, but a hip problem popped up early this past week. Saleh claimed to have a contingency plan in place should the grizzled veteran be unable to compete.
"We have plans in place. It is unlikely we use them, but I’ll keep that one a secret," said Saleh.
As it turns out, Saleh will have to pivot now that Brown has been deemed unavailable. The likely immediate solution is to give veteran Billy Turner the start against the Patriots.
Turner, a 10th-year pro, has made 93 career appearances with 75 starts. He started seven games for Nathaniel Hackett and the Denver Broncos in 2022.
The Jets could opt to tinker with the offensive line configuration moving forward, but would probably wait until after Sunday to make any drastic changes like moving Mekhi Becton to left tackle or kicking Alijah Vera-Tucker out from guard.
Gang Green's projected starting offensive line for Week 3 consists of left tackle Billy Turner, left guard Laken Tomlinson, center Connor McGovern, right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and right tackle Mekhi Becton.
Hours after being downgraded for the Week 3 game, Brown was officially placed on Injured Reserve and will be out at least four weeks as a result.
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