If people thought that the bye week would be the perfect opportunity for the New York Jets to get healthy for the second half of their season, they were mistaken.
Kicking off their week of prep for Week 8’s contest against the New York Giants, head coach Robert Saleh announced that there would be more of the same with some of the Jets’ injured stars.
All-Pro cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed did not practice Wednesday as they have not passed through the final stages of concussion protocol. Second-round rookie Joe Tippmann was also not a participant on Wednesday due to a quad injury he suffered in the team’s win over Philadelphia two weeks ago.
Reed and Gardner suffered concussions in the week leading up to the Jets’ win over Philly. Gardner complained of an illness that turned into a concussion after testing. Reed suffered his concussion during New York’s 31-21 win over the Denver Broncos in early October.
Saleh later explained that both Reed and Gardner would be “game day decisions” with the final hurdle of concussion protocol yet to be fulfilled. Tippmann, on the other hand, will have a better gauge of his gameday ability during Thursday’s practice.
At 3-3, the Jets have already won games with these three players out during games. Bryce Hall and Craig James were major catalysts in their last win at corner while Wes Schweitzer will be Tippmann’s immediate backup if the rookie cannot go.
Randall Cobb is the final non-participant of Jets practice with a shoulder injury.
