Starting Right Tackle Limps to Jets' Locker-room, Heading for Postgame MRI
It could wind up being a costly two-minute drill for the New York Jets.
Looking to cut into a 13-8 deficit against the Denver Broncos, the Jets opened their final first-half possession with back-to-back completed passes when starting right tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker suffered an apparent injury.
Two plays into the drive, Vera-Tucker was spotted limping off to the sideline. With the second-quarter clock ticking down to under 2:00 to play, the hobbled offensive lineman continued onto the locker-room.
The Jets ruled Vera-Tucker OUT with a calf injury for the remainder of the game.
Second-year pro Max Mitchell stepped in for Vera-Tucker at right tackle and immediately allowed a pressure in pass blocking.
Vera-Tucker began the season at right guard before kicking out to tackle once Duane Brown landed on Injured Reserve. Denver has not been kind to Vera-Tucker. Last year, he suffered a season-ending triceps injury against the Broncos.
Later during the drive, left tackle Mekhi Becton went to the sideline and trainers could be seen working on his right knee. Veteran Billy Turner filled in as Zach Wilson's blindside protector for the rest of the first half.
Becton returned to the lineup for the Jets' first offensive series of the third quarter.
Adding insult to injury, the Jets marched 67 yards in nine plays but came away empty-handed. The possession ended at the Broncos' 8-yard line as the first-half clock expired with the Jets running out of time to spike the ball.
"AVT's being evaluated for a calf," said head coach Robert Saleh at the start of his postgame press conference. "It's a concern, for sure."
Saleh said Vera-Tucker is headed for an MRI following the 31-21 road win.
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