Multiple NFL insiders are reporting that Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker could miss “significant time” after suffering an apparent upper body injury.
These reports of course leave a lot of unanswered questions about the specific nature of the injury and the definition of “significant time.” Still we can probably surmise that the sources inside the building who leaked the news to the reporters have reason to believe this injury is no small matter
Unfortunately for Vera-Tucker, missing time is nothing new. He has missed 25 of a possible 68 games during his career due to injuries. It’s unfortunate since he has been a quality offensive lineman across four positions when on the field.
If you are searching for some sort of silver lining it’s that interior offensive line is one of the few spots on the field where the Jets have the depth on paper to absorb an injury. Projected top backup Josh Myers has 56 games of starting experience at center. The hypothetical position battle between Myers and Joe Tippmann will likely be rendered moot as Tippmann will slide over to right guard replacing Vera-Tucker. Of course if your depth can only withstand a single injury to a position, it’s best to not use up that injury before the first regular season game is even played.
A serious injury could not come at a worse time for Vera-Tucker who is entering the final year of his contract. Looking at a third season with substantial missed time in five years could quite possibly impact the second contract he will receive.
