Exiting yesterday’s thrilling come-from-behind victory for the New York Jets, the biggest concern was the knee injury rookie right tackle Max Mitchell sustained.
The first-year player had to leave and be taken off on a cart in the second quarter. He was originally ruled as questionable to return to the game. Shortly after, though, the Jets announced he was out for the remainder of yesterday.
After the win, Mitchell was reportedly on crutches with a large brace on his left leg. Robert Saleh stated that an update would come on Mitchell’s status today.
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New York Jets get encouraging update on Max Mitchell:
It was just confirmed by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network that the Jets did indeed avoid the worst-case scenario with Mitchell and got good news on his timetable to return.
Mitchell does have a dislocation in his knee that will cause him to miss several weeks. The injury is not a season-ender, though, great for the Jets. Per Rapoport, Mitchell is expected to be back well before the conclusion of the 2022 regular season for the Jets.
The injury is a tough one for the rookie, though. Mitchell had been playing some impressive ball in his first four NFL starts. It is certainly unfortunate that he has got to miss some time.
Who fills in for him now at right tackle becomes the big question. The Jets have now lost their top four offensive tackles early this year in Mekhi Becton, Duane Brown, George Fant, and now, Mitchell. The recent injury to Fant led to Alijah Vera-Tucker changing positions from right guard to left tackle for yesterday. Nate Herbig got the start at right guard.
When Mitchell left yesterday, it was Conor McDermott who filled in. Within the last week, the Jets have added veterans in Mike Remmers and Cedric Ogbuehi, who may already be needed to step up.
Brown is eligible to return from IR this week, whether he is fully recovered or not is still yet to be determined. The Jets could certainly use him. Fant has to sit out another three games on IR before being permitted to return.
Luckily, the Jets have an immensely versatile and team-first player in Vera-Tucker. The Jets will continue to have moving parts up front offensively. The key news, though, is that Mitchell will ultimately be back soon for the Jets.