Garrett Wilson, the standout wide receiver for the New York Jets, is expected to miss at least three to four weeks due to a right knee sprain. Wilson had only just returned to action on Sunday, having missed the previous two games due to a similar knee injury. Now, he must deal with a second injury hurdle.
Just before halftime in the Jets’ 27-20 win over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday in the third quarter QB Zach Wilson Z.Wilson’s ankle … The throw by quarterback Justin Fields would have been easily completed had Chase been outside—but instead that pass ended with an incompletion. He dropped down onto the soaked turf, skidding to a stop in a seated position. By landing with both legs retracting into his body, he probably made the injury worse.
In fact, Wilson was only targeted twice the entire game. To the shock of many, he ended with zero receptions — an NFL first for the star running back. Coming into this game, he had accumulated 395 yards on just 36 receptions. He’s averaging four touchdowns every seven games this season alone. His consecutive streak of 1,000-plus receiving yards in his first three seasons could be in jeopardy. This most recent step back is a deep and clear threat to his great accomplishment.
Following the game, Wilson had imaging tests done on Monday to determine the severity of the injury. Head Coach Aaron Glenn confirmed that the tests had taken place but remained noncommittal about Wilson’s playing status moving forward.
“I want to see exactly what the docs say before I stamp anything as far as that, but usually when you have that situation, adrenaline is going during the game. But after the game, everything kind of slows down. Again, I want to see what the docs say.” – Aaron Glenn
Here’s three ways the Jets need to change their offensive game plan without Wilson. Adonai Mitchell, who the Falcons recently traded for with the Jets for cornerback Sauce Gardner, is preparing his first Thursday night game. The expectation is that he will be out on the field. Meanwhile, Arian Smith, Tyler Johnson, Isaiah Williams, and John Metchie III will step up as top receivers for the team.
In his first game with the Jets, acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles for a sixth-round pick, Metchie III proved that he can step up. Wilson’s absence leaves the Jets with a big hole in their receiving corps. That only increases the burden on Fields, who emerges as the primary starting quarterback.
In the lead up to Sunday, the main narrative was that Wilson wouldn’t be able to play effectively as he had so little time to practice with the team. That comment was in fact about a different player. Until then, the Jets remain focused on their upcoming opponent. They’re going to meet the challenges that lay ahead and ensure they’re keeping a watchful eye towards news of Wilson’s recovery.
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