Injury Wave Tests Depth and Spirit of the New York Jets

As the New York Jets enter the final month of the regular season with a playoff spot within reach, a sudden wave of injuries has emerged as their biggest threat—testing both the team’s roster depth and the collective spirit that has fueled their surprising 10-3 start. Over the past two weeks, the Jets have lost three key contributors to Injured Reserve (IR): starting left tackle Mekhi Becton (knee sprain, 4-6 weeks), Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley (hamstring strain, 3-4 weeks), and slot receiver Allen Lazard (ankle injury, 2-3 weeks). The losses come at a critical time, with the Jets set to face divisional rivals the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills in back-to-back games that could decide the AFC East title. What makes the injury wave particularly daunting is the timing: it hits as the team was finally finding consistency on both offense and defense. Injury Wave Tests Depth and Spirit of the New York Jets explores how the Jets are navigating these setbacks, the backups tasked with filling big shoes, and whether their culture of resilience can keep their playoff dreams alive.

The most damaging injury is Becton’s knee sprain, which leaves a gaping hole in an offensive line that was already struggling with pass protection. Becton, who had bounced back from two injury-plagued seasons to become a reliable left tackle, was allowing just 1 sack and 4 quarterback pressures in his last five starts—providing much-needed stability for Aaron Rodgers’ blind side. His absence forces the Jets to rely on second-year tackle Max Mitchell, who struggled earlier this season (allowing 6 sacks in four starts) before being benched for Becton. The loss of Mosley is equally impactful: the veteran linebacker is the defensive signal-caller, leading the team with 98 tackles and serving as a mentor to young defenders like Quincy Williams. Lazard’s injury, meanwhile, robs Rodgers of a trusted target—he had 32 catches for 410 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a critical 20-yard reception in the Jets’ Week 13 win over the Bills. “Injuries are part of the NFL, but losing three key guys in two weeks is a punch to the gut,” Jets head coach Robert Saleh admitted. “We have to respond—there’s no other option.” Injury Wave Tests Depth and Spirit of the New York Jets frames these losses as a defining test of the team’s ability to adapt when their top players go down.

To fill the voids, the Jets have turned to unproven backups and practice squad promotions—a strategy that will reveal just how deep their roster truly is. For Becton’s left tackle spot, the team has promoted rookie tackle Carter Warren from the practice squad to back up Mitchell. Warren, a 2023 fourth-round pick out of Pittsburgh, has yet to play an NFL snap but impressed coaches during training camp with his strength (33-inch arms) and ability to learn the zone-blocking scheme. At linebacker, the Jets are shifting Williams to Mosley’s middle linebacker spot and inserting second-year player Jamien Sherwood into the lineup. Sherwood, who played primarily on special teams last season, has shown flashes of potential in limited defensive snaps—recording 12 tackles and 1 pass breakup in his last three games. For Lazard’s slot receiver role, the Jets are leaning on rookie Garrett Wilson (who will shift from outside to slot) and veteran Randall Cobb, who was signed to the practice squad last month after being released by the Packers. “These guys have been waiting for their chance,” Saleh said. “Now it’s time to step up. We wouldn’t have them on the roster if we didn’t believe in them.” Injury Wave Tests Depth and Spirit of the New York Jets examines how these unheralded players are being thrown into the fire—and what their success or failure means for the Jets’ playoff hopes.

For the New York Jets, the injury wave is also a test of team spirit and cohesion—qualities that have been central to their turnaround this season. In the wake of the injuries, Rodgers has taken on a more vocal leadership role, hosting extra film sessions for Mitchell and Warren to help them prepare for the Dolphins’ pass rush. Defensive players have organized voluntary workouts with Sherwood to help him learn Mosley’s signal-calling responsibilities, while Wilson has spent extra time with Cobb to sync up on route-running. The team’s locker room has also rallied around the injured players: Becton, Mosley, and Lazard have been present at practices, offering encouragement and advice to their replacements. “This team isn’t about one guy—it’s about all of us,” Rodgers said. “When someone goes down, we all pick each other up. That’s the culture we’ve built here.” For the New York Jets, this spirit of unity is a far cry from recent seasons, when injuries often led to finger-pointing and locker room division. The difference now, players say, is the belief that they can win even without their top contributors. Injury Wave Tests Depth and Spirit of the New York Jets highlights how this culture of resilience is keeping the team focused amid adversity.

The Jets’ front office has also taken action to mitigate the injury wave, signing veteran free agents to add depth and experience. The team recently inked former Cowboys tackle La’el Collins to a one-year contract, providing insurance at left tackle if Mitchell or Warren struggles. Collins, a 10-year NFL veteran, has started 98 games in his career and is familiar with the Jets’ zone-blocking scheme from his time in Dallas. The Jets also signed former Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who can play both inside and outside linebacker and has playoff experience—critical for a team aiming to make a deep postseason run. “We’re not going to let injuries derail our season,” general manager Joe Douglas said. “We’re going to do everything we can to give our coaches and players the tools they need to win.” For the New York Jets, these signings reflect a shift from past seasons, when the team often chose to stick with young, unproven players rather than investing in veteran depth. The change is a sign of the team’s win-now mindset—and a recognition that this season’s playoff opportunity is too valuable to waste. Injury Wave Tests Depth and Spirit of the New York Jets explores how these veteran additions could provide the stability needed to weather the injury storm.

As the Jets prepare for their Week 15 matchup against the Dolphins, the injury wave remains a significant obstacle—but it has also become a rallying point for a team that has embraced the underdog role all season. The backups stepping into key roles have spoken of their gratitude for the opportunity, while veterans like Rodgers and Sauce Gardner have emphasized that adversity is what separates good teams from great ones. “We didn’t expect this season to be easy,” Gardner said. “Injuries are just another challenge we have to overcome. And when we do, we’ll be stronger for it.” For the New York Jets, the next few weeks will answer a critical question: is their success this season built on the talent of a few key players, or on a deep, resilient roster and a culture that refuses to quit? If the backups can step up and the team can maintain its spirit, the injury wave could end up being a defining moment in their playoff run—proving that they’re not just a one-hit wonder, but a legitimate championship contender. Injury Wave Tests Depth and Spirit of the New York Jets concludes by noting that in the NFL, injuries are inevitable—but how a team responds to them defines its legacy. For the Jets, this is their chance to show the league that their 2028 season is no fluke—and that their spirit is as strong as their talent.