Jets Coach Aaron Glenn Avoids Injury Questions
Typically, NFL coaches hold midweek press conferences to discuss injuries, sharing whatever details they choose. However, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn opted out of this routine on Tuesday, clearly frustrated by an ESPN report that stated receiver Garrett Wilson would be sidelined for three to four weeks due to a knee injury that, thankfully, won’t need surgery.
When the press conference started, Glenn firmly directed questions away from player injuries. He said, “Let’s not talk about injuries. He’s rich.” Referring to ESPN’s Jets reporter, Rich Cimini, he implied that the media could rely on Cimini instead, even though he wasn’t present.
Though Glenn seemed ready to discuss injured players initially, it quickly became evident that he was more upset about the report itself than anything else. He continued to evade questions about the injuries sustained during a hard-fought match.
As the session wrapped up, one reporter inquired whether Wilson might go on injured reserve. Glenn’s response was curt: “Ask Rich.”
“I have a question,” the reporter insisted.
“Well, I’m telling you to ask Rich,” Glenn reiterated.
Another reporter pointed out that Cimini wasn’t there, to which Glenn suggested, “Yeah, you should call him.”
“AG, we don’t mean any disrespect, but we want to hear it from you,” another journalist chimed in.
Glenn countered, “Everyone heard it too. He hasn’t heard from me, but now he’s just reporting what I haven’t said, so maybe you should ask him.”
After that, Glenn exited the room.
When asked about the accuracy of the reports regarding his potential month-long absence, Wilson responded, “Ask the coach, brother.”
According to the Jets’ injury report, Wilson wasn’t present during Tuesday’s walkthrough, nor were rookie cornerback Azalei Thomas (concussion) or defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (foot).
Adonai Mitchell, who the Jets acquired from the Colts in a recent trade involving cornerback Sauce Gardner, also missed the game against the Browns. Glenn noted that Mitchell needed more time to acclimate to the Jets’ offensive system before playing.
With Wilson out, it looks like Mitchell may get a chance to debut against the Patriots on Thursday night at Gillette Stadium.
Mitchell didn’t confirm anything about his playing status, saying, “The AG will do it. He’ll tell you.” Although he’s had a limited season with just nine receptions for 152 yards, he expressed readiness to contribute.
“My job is to play when I’m called and be ready,” he stated. “I want to play, of course, but I understand the situation. I feel like I can bring energy to the team—that’s my biggest strength.”
Without Wilson, the Jets’ receiver lineup currently includes Josh Reynolds, rookie Arian Smith, Tyler Johnson, Allen Lazard, and Isaiah Williams. Glenn mentioned that rookie tight end Mason Taylor is someone he expects to step up in Wilson’s absence.
