The New York Jets have suffered a huge injury blow ahead of their season opener, with guard Alijah Vera-Tucker going down just four days ahead of their clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Multiple reports claim Vera-Tucker has suffered a serious arm injury that may require surgery.
The news comes as a potentially pivotal setback ahead of Aaron Glenn’s first game as the new head coach of the Jets.
Jets quarterback Justin Fields, playing against the team for whom he started six games last year, will have a difficult task against a fearsome Steelers pass rush, and that challenge will be even more difficult without Vera-Tucker.
A first-round draft pick out of USC, Vera-Tucker has established himself as the Jets’ top offensive lineman in four seasons at MetLife Stadium. His absence would leave them with a substantial hole on the interior of their offensive line
How will Jets replace Vera-Tucker?
Vera-Tucker was named to the All-Rookie team in 2021 despite allowing 42 quarterback pressures, per Pro Football Focus. Since then, he has never allowed more than 16 in a season.
Replacing him will be a difficult challenge, but the Jets do have multiple options.
Xavier Newman is listed as the backup right guard, though he has started only 10 games in his three-year career.
More likely is that the Jets move either Joe Tippmann or Josh Myers from center to guard. Myers is the backup center, but took first-team reps during training camp when left guard John Simpson dealt with an injury, enabling Tippmann to move to guard.
Look for the Jets to slide Tippmann over to the right side in response to this setback. Backup tackle Max Mitchell also has the flexibility to play guard if the Jets view him as a better option.
