Top Jets offensive lineman and right guard Alijah-Vera Tucker will miss the rest of the season after tearing an Achilles tendon in Sunday’s 31-21 victory vs the Broncos. To add insult, this is Tucker’s second straight season-ending injury, which happened in Denver. Tucker tore a triceps tendon last year on October 23. in a victory over the Broncos.
Coach Robert Saleh confirmed on Monday’s press availability that Vera-Tucker tore his Achilles, according to an MRI reveal. Vera-Tucker was the most consistent Jets offensive lineman, but it seems like he can’t catch a break with injury.
Vera-Tucker got hurt on a pass-blocking play against linebacker Johnathan Cooper in the second quarter of Sunday’s win. Vera-Tucker motioned on the sideline after tearing the tendon on a backpedal but finished another play.
Another Blow For Jets Offensive Lineman
Jets G Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) – Joe Sargent/Getty Images
This injury is an awful blow for Vera-Tucker, who has played every position on the offensive line since being drafted in 2021. The Jets have already lost Aaron Rodgers to a torn Achilles in week one vs. the Bills, and the team will have to reshuffle the offensive line. Left Tackle Duane Brown is on injured reserve with a hip injury; he can return in week eight vs. the New York Giants.
Max Mitchell played in Vera-Tucker’s place after the injury on Sunday afternoon. Last season, Mitchell started five games for the Jets. Unfortunately, he struggled in training camp this year for the right tackle position. The Jets offensive lineman’s injury is a significant blow for Gang Green’s front on offense.
Another option for the Jets’ offensive lineman is Billy Turner, who was playing some left tackle Sunday after Mekhi Becton left the game briefly. Rookie Carter Warren is eligible to get out of injured reserve, but he was battling knee and shoulder injuries.
What Vera-Tucker Brings to New York Jets
As a Jets offensive lineman, Tucker has shown Pro-Bowl-caliber flashes when at 100 percent. His versatility caught New York’s eye as he was able to adjust to multiple positions on the offensive line. The Jets will have to adapt their offensive line now that Vera-Tucker is out for the rest of the season.
During Monday’s press availability, Coach Saleh said, “Second year in a row, and we’re all kind of surprised because he played a play on it and walked off on his own power; he walked to the locker room on his own power, so we were pretty optimistic that that part of it was going to be ok.” Vera-Tucker started two games as a right guard before moving to right tackle.
The Jets offensive lineman’s history of playing multiple positions shows just how much versatility he brings to the Jets’ offensive line. Now that he is out, Gang Green will undoubtedly miss his versatile presence for the Jets front line on offense. Saleh also told reporters at the press availability, “It’s a blow, but I feel bad for him.”
Saleh also said, “He battled his way back this offseason from the injury a year ago, and to have this happen again, it’s just unfortunate. Due to his strong performance at right tackle, Saleh was planning to keep Vera-Tucker in that position.
Conclusion
Last season, Vera-Tucker was one of just seven players who took 50+ snaps at three different positions (right guard, left tackle, right tackle). The Jets will now have to move forward without Vera-Tucker as they prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday afternoon at Metlife Stadium.
