The New York Jets will be without a key piece for a big matchup against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
The team announced less than 24 hours before kickoff that starting left tackle Duane Brown would miss Sunday’s contest with a hip injury. While Brown had yet to practice this week, Jets coach Robert Saleh sounded optimistic that he would play Sunday. Obviously, Brown has not progressed to the point where New York thinks he’d be able to play.
OL Duane Brown has been downgraded to out #NEvsNYJ https://t.co/WaUypOyyJD
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 23, 2023
The Jets will either have to start Billy Turner in place of the injured Brown or shift their offensive line around. The most logical option would be moving Alijah Vera-Tucker from right guard to left tackle, and inserting rookie Joe Tippmann into the starting lineup. Though, it’s likely that just three weeks into the season, New York isn’t quite ready to reshuffle its offensive line.
While Brown played well in the team’s season opener against the Buffalo Bills, the veteran struggled mightily in last week’s 30-10 loss to the Cowboys. His age showed as Micah Parsons toyed with the veteran offensive tackle, who missed the majority of training camp with a shoulder injury. It seems that the Jets didn’t want to risk any further injury with Brown set to face Matthew Judon on Sunday.
While Brown wasn’t good against Dallas, his loss was a brutal one for Gang Green, especially when considering that his head coach expected him to play this week. Those in the NFL world were quick to react to Brown being ruled out for Sunday’s game.
My prediction is that Mekhi Becton will start at LT. Yes, I know what Saleh and Carter said about moving guys around, but look at it logically: Becton is the best healthy LT on the roster. He might be the best LT, period. https://t.co/NnZTV3koAq
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) September 23, 2023
Duane Brown coming off his shoulder injury missing the entire Offseason definitely has been struggling
I’m a little torn on his hip injury . How bad it is … or not
Either way SALEH was Not telling Bellicheck of any OL Changes …. The #Jets 100% knew this was happening
— 𝕵𝖔𝖊𝖞𝕵𝖊𝖙𝖘 (@JetsAGNB) September 23, 2023
Garrett Wilson I believe in you but I can’t keep you in the lineup brother. https://t.co/s1oNuVjjZp
— Colb (@___Colb___) September 23, 2023
Billy Turner likely starting at LT.
They need Conklin or Ruckert chipping Matthew Judon every play tomorrow. https://t.co/r2El81KryX
— Cool Your Jets (@CYJpod) September 23, 2023
Just take the snap, close your eyes, and throw it far in Garrett Wilson’s direction, Zach. Hold onto the ball any longer than that and the Jets OL might get you killed. https://t.co/g6YvgdEpfV
— Jeff Hansen (@rakoto10) September 23, 2023
They’d be fine if they moved Becton to LT and AVT to RT and finally played Tippmann but instead they’ll be trotting out Billy Turner! https://t.co/LmrskqMyBc
— justyn (@___justyn) September 23, 2023
Meanwhile, a Jets O-Line that ranks dead-last in pass-block win rate will be down their starting left tackle.
To be fair, Brown has struggled. Could see Becton at LT, AVT at RT, and Tippman in at RG? https://t.co/jEH5KuJtbb
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) September 23, 2023
Hoping for some sort of combo with AVT at tackle and Tippmann in the starting lineup but fully expecting the easy solution of Turner at LT https://t.co/dvim3QQu9S
— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) September 23, 2023
Regardless of who starts for the Jets at left tackle tomorrow, New York will look to break a 14-game losing streak against New England.
