New York Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker is looking for a second opinion on his torn triceps that he suffered last week. The infection from this injury may require surgery to end his season. This final blow adds to the challenges Vera-Tucker has had to endure. Injuries have plagued him across his four-year career in the NFL. That’s the arm opposite the one that caused him to miss a large bit of time in 2022.
Vera-Tucker had to experience the low blow of going down with a season-ending triceps injury in 2022. In 2023, he missed a full 12 games due to a torn Achilles. The first-round draft pick in 2021 has now faced extended absences in two of his four seasons, raising concerns about his durability. Vera-Tucker is in the last year of his rookie contract. As of now, he’s locked in at least a guaranteed $15.3 million this season—the figure set by his fifth-year option.
To round out the accolades, earlier this week, Vera-Tucker’s teammates voted him as a team captain, highlighting his leadership on and off the field. Despite the challenges posed by injuries, he expressed optimism about the current season, stating, “I tell people all the time, this is the best I’ve ever felt coming off an offseason.”
Considering this new injury factor, the Jets will still have to make some changes to their offensive line. Joe Tippmann should be able to slide over and plug the gap with Vera-Tucker being out. First-year Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has been widely believed to be extremely interested in giving Vera-Tucker an extension. He sees the player’s enormous contribution to the team side. “He’s a great player,” Glenn said. United, we’re stronger. “Hopefully, at the end of the day, we can come together and work together and get something accomplished.”
Now begins the Jets’ most crucial time as they sort through these matters. Vera-Tucker’s injury—torn left pectoral—has made the team rethink their offensive line plans. All the while, they need to be moving quickly to stay ahead of their competition. Vera-Tucker is reportedly seeking other opinions on his injury. So are he and the Jets, all hoping for an encouraging result that allows his return to action this year.
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