New York Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker will miss the rest of the season with a torn Achilles.
Vera-Tucker, 24, was injured during Sunday’s 31-21 win against the Denver Broncos. NFL Network originally reported that the Jets were optimistic their 2021 first-round pick (No. 14 overall) only injured his calf.
But Monday afternoon, coach Robert Saleh told reporters that the MRI showed an Achilles tear.
“We’re all kind of surprised, because he played a play on it, he walked off on his own power, he walked to the locker room on his own power, so we were pretty optimistic that that part of it was going to be OK,” Saleh said. “It’s a blow. Again, I feel bad for him.”
It’s the second straight year that Vera-Tucker’s season was cut short. He played seven games in 2022 before suffering a torn triceps.
Vera-Tucker has started all 28 of his games with New York, including the first five contests this season. He began the season as the starting right guard before shifting to right tackle in Week 3.
Backup right tackle Max Mitchell could start Sunday when the Jets (2-3) host the Philadelphia Eagles (5-0).
–Field Level Media
