New York Jets starting guard Alijah Vera-Tucker reportedly suffered a potentially serious arm injury that could require surgery, according to Dianna Russini of the Athletic.
The Jets were getting healthy on the offensive line after John Simpson’s return from an injury. However, if Vera-Tucker misses time, that will shake up what the Jets will do up front.
While he does not have a listed backup, it is likely one of the two centers in Josh Myers and Joe Tippmann, with Tippmann having the more obvious guard experience. The players were listed as co-starters on the first depth chart of the season.
Vera-Tucker is their most experienced player on what is a young offensive line. He was just named a captain by head coach Aaron Glenn. Now, the Jets will have to scramble and try to replace him.
A former first-round pick out of USC, Vera-Tucker has dealt with injuries throughout his career. He played 15 games last year, but missed most of 2022 and 2023 with season-ending injuries. Overall, Vera-Tucker’s injury is something that could leave the Jets more vulnerable to the Steelers’ interior pass rushers like Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton.
The Steelers will be missing rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon with an MCL sprain. Outside linebacker Nick Herbig is also questionable with a hamstring strain.
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