Jets Facing Offense Challenges Ahead of Week 7
The Jets offense has been struggling, highlighted by a dismal -10 net passing yards last week. As they approach Week 7, it appears they might be missing some key players.
Wide receiver Garrett Wilson, dealing with a knee issue, was listed as questionable ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Panthers. Head coach Aaron Glenn hasn’t ruled him out yet, but Wilson’s lack of practice for three consecutive days raises concerns.
If Wilson can’t play, the Jets will rely on less proven receivers like Josh Reynolds, Allen Lazard, and rookie Arian Smith to step up.
“I’m not saying Garrett won’t play, okay?” Glenn mentioned before practice.
Reynolds had missed Wednesday’s practice due to a hip injury but returned fully on Thursday and Friday, so he is not on the injury list for the weekend.
It’s uncertain how long Wilson might be sidelined if he can’t participate on Sunday. During the Jets’ last offensive drive in London, he was on the field for a crucial third-down snap, failed to make the catch, and then wasn’t present for the fourth down— the game’s final offensive play.
This season, Wilson has made 36 receptions for 395 yards and scored four touchdowns after signing a lucrative four-year, $130 million contract extension in July.
When asked if Glenn feels the need to protect Wilson from his own competitive nature, he acknowledged that this applies to several players on the team.
“We have some competitive players,” Glenn said. “But I’m going to leave most things up to him and the doctors.”
Additionally, linebacker Cam Jones and cornerback Quantez Stigers are questionable after missing the last three days of practice. Nickel cornerback Michael Carter II, who is finishing up concussion protocol, played a full game recently but is also listed as questionable. Linebacker Ja Marquis Weston practiced fully for three days and enters the weekend with a questionable status.
With Carter’s imminent return, Glenn mentioned that the Jets are likely to design a strategy to utilize both Carter and Jarvis Brownlee Jr., who joined the team from the Titans in September. Brownlee had the honor of being part of the Jets’ first turnover when a fumble was recovered by safety Andre Cisco.
“You can’t deny Brownlee did a great job last week, but you can’t overlook that Michael Carter performed well too. So, we’ll craft something to get both of them on the field,” Glenn stated.
On the Panthers’ side, running back Chuba Hubbard is set to return from a calf injury that kept him out for two games recently. Head coach Dave Canales opted to keep his plans under wraps as of Friday, despite Hubbard being the starter at the season’s outset and securing a four-year, $33.2 million contract extension last year. Backup Rico Doodle had impressive performances, racking up 234 scrimmage yards in Week 5 and a record-breaking 239 scrimmage yards in the last game.
