The New York Jets may have possibly taken a major hit before Week 1 kicks off.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported Wednesday that offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker has suffered what could potentially be a serious arm injury. Vera-Tucker is set to undergo further testing and if the injury is as bad as it sounds, he could miss significant time.
Vera-Tucker was selected No. 14 overall in the 2021 draft by the Jets. Despite being such a high pick, he has struggled to consistently stay on the field.
A torn triceps in 2022 limited Vera-Tucker to just seven games played. After rehabbing from that injury and expecting to be productive in 2023, Vera-Tucker had that season cut short as well. He appeared in just five games before a torn Achilles ended his season.
Now, a potential third serious injury in the past four seasons is an extremely unfortunate set of circumstances. Vera-Tucker was expected to be one of the focal points of a New York offensive line that was built to help the playstyle of quarterback Justin Fields.
Not only is the injury bad for what the Jets wanted to do this season, it is bad for Vera-Tucker who was entering a contract season. Another year of solid offensive line work and health would've put him in line for a major pay day in free agency.
He may now receive a significantly less amount of money if he misses a large chunk of the season for what will be the third time in five seasons. His free agency contract may now be a one-year prove it deal with any team willing to take a chance on him.
Related Articles
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.