Current Injuries and Player Statuses Listed for the New York Jets

As the New York Jets fight to keep their playoff hopes alive in the final month of the NFL season, managing injuries has become a critical part of their strategy. A quick glance at the team’s latest injury report reveals a mix of season-ending losses, short-term absences, and game-time decisions—all of which could impact the Jets’ ability to win key matchups against the Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins. For head coach Robert Saleh and his staff, tracking these injuries isn’t just about updating a list; it’s about adjusting game plans, shuffling rosters, and ensuring backup players are ready to step in at a moment’s notice. Current Injuries and Player Statuses Listed for the New York Jets isn’t just a recap of who’s hurt—it’s a window into how the Jets are navigating adversity to stay competitive in a tight AFC wildcard race.

Current Injuries and Player Statuses Listed for the New York Jets begins with the offensive line, which has been hit hardest by injuries this season, starting with the season-ending ankle injury to right tackle Morgan Moses (detailed in the team’s Week 12 injury report). As confirmed by Jets medical staff, Moses suffered a Grade 3 sprain and small fracture during practice, ruling him out for the remainder of 2024. His absence is compounded by backup tackle George Fant’s knee injury, which has him listed as questionable for Week 13 against Atlanta. Fant, who started 14 games at left tackle in 2022, has been limited in practice this week, with Saleh noting he “needs a few more reps to prove he’s ready.” The line’s depth is further tested by guard Wes Schweitzer’s lingering calf strain, which has kept him out of two games; he’s currently listed as probable, but coaches are cautious about rushing him back to avoid a setback. “Our offensive line is the backbone of our offense, so these injuries sting,” offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett said. “But we’ve got guys like Brandon Shell (elevated from the practice squad) and Carter Warren who are ready to step up. We just have to be smart about how we use them.”

A critical section of Current Injuries and Player Statuses Listed for the New York Jets is the defensive unit, which has seen key contributors sidelined by both acute and chronic injuries. The most notable name here is cornerback Sauce Gardner, who has been dealing with a knee injury since Week 10 against the Patriots. Gardner, a two-time Pro Bowler and the Jets’ top shutdown corner, is listed as questionable for Week 13, with Saleh explaining that “he’s making progress, but we won’t risk him if he’s not 100%—knee injuries can linger if you rush them.” Backup cornerback Michael Carter II, who has started in Gardner’s place the last two games, is also dealing with a minor hamstring tweak (listed as probable), creating depth concerns in the secondary. On the defensive line, defensive end Carl Lawson is day-to-day with a shoulder injury, though he practiced fully on Thursday and is expected to play against Atlanta. The biggest defensive loss, however, is linebacker Jarrad Davis, who was placed on injured reserve last week with a torn biceps—ending his season. Davis, a key special teams contributor and rotational linebacker, leaves a gap in both run defense and coverage packages.

Current Injuries and Player Statuses Listed for the New York Jets is particularly pressing for the New York Jets’ skill positions, where injuries have forced adjustments to both the passing and running games. At wide receiver, Allen Lazard missed practice on Wednesday with a rib contusion but returned on Thursday and is listed as probable for Week 13. Lazard, who has 38 catches for 450 yards this season, is a reliable third-down target for quarterback Zach Wilson, and his availability will be key against Atlanta’s secondary. Tight end Tyler Conklin is also dealing with a hamstring strain, though he’s been limited in practice rather than sidelined; the Jets have used rookie Jeremy Ruckert more in two-tight end sets to ease Conklin’s workload. The running back room, while relatively healthy, has a minor concern in backup Ty Johnson’s ankle sprain—he’s listed as probable, but Saleh has indicated the team will limit his reps in practice to keep him fresh for game day. For the New York Jets, keeping these skill players healthy is essential: with Wilson playing some of the best football of his career, he needs his top targets available to maintain the offense’s momentum.

Another key angle of Current Injuries and Player Statuses Listed for the New York Jets is special teams, where injuries have forced the Jets to rely on younger, less experienced players. Long snapper Thomas Hennessy missed Week 12 with a wrist injury, forcing the team to sign practice squad long snapper Christian Kuntz as a temporary replacement. Hennessy is back in practice this week (listed as probable), but Kuntz remains on the active roster as insurance. Punter Braden Mann also dealt with a minor quad injury earlier in the month, though he’s since returned to full health and hasn’t missed any games. The biggest special teams concern, however, is kick returner Braxton Berrios, who has been limited by a hamstring injury and hasn’t returned a kick since Week 10. The Jets have used wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall in spot kick return duties, but Berrios’ speed and experience are irreplaceable. For the New York Jets, special teams injuries can be just as costly as offensive or defensive ones—field position battles often decide close games, and the Jets can’t afford to lose an edge in that area during their playoff push.

Finally, Current Injuries and Player Statuses Listed for the New York Jets wraps up with the Jets’ broader approach to injury management, which balances short-term competition with long-term player health. Saleh has repeatedly emphasized that the team won’t risk players’ futures for a single game, even as the playoff race tightens. “We have to be smart,” Saleh said in a press conference. “If a player isn’t ready, we’ll turn to the next guy—because winning a game this week isn’t worth losing a player for the rest of the season.” This philosophy is evident in how the Jets have handled Gardner’s knee injury and Fant’s knee issue: rather than rushing them back, they’ve given backups like Carter II and Shell valuable reps to build confidence. The team’s medical staff has also been proactive, using advanced recovery techniques (like cryotherapy and targeted physical therapy) to speed up healing for players like Lazard and Conklin. For the New York Jets, injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL—but how they respond to them will define their season. Current Injuries and Player Statuses Listed for the New York Jets ultimately reveals this truth: in a league where depth wins championships, the Jets’ ability to weather these injuries could be the difference between a playoff berth and a missed opportunity. As Saleh put it, “We don’t make excuses—we adapt. And right now, adapting means leaning on our depth and trusting the guys who step up.”