The New York Jets are 1-0, but their Week 1 victory over Tennessee came with a significant price.
Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. both missed Wednesday’s practice and are considered week-to-week, head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed. Fitzpatrick is dealing with a groin injury, while Cooper is recovering from an ankle injury suffered during New York’s 23-10 win over the Titans.
Neither player appears headed to injured reserve at this point, which suggests New York believes both can return before the four-game minimum an IR placement would require.
Fitzpatrick’s Absence Changes the Secondary
Fitzpatrick lasted only six defensive snaps in his Jets debut before suffering the groin injury.
The veteran safety was one of New York’s most important offseason additions and was expected to provide versatility and leadership throughout the secondary. Reports indicate he could miss roughly two to three weeks, although the Jets themselves have stopped short of providing a firm return date.
That means Sunday’s matchup with Green Bay will likely require another adjustment.
Dane Belton and Andre Cisco helped absorb Fitzpatrick’s responsibilities after he exited against Tennessee, and Glenn praised the flexibility of the secondary afterward. New York also promoted Jordan Clark to the active roster this week, giving the Jets another defensive-back option while Fitzpatrick recovers.
The timing is not ideal.
Green Bay enters with Jordan Love and an offense capable of testing safeties vertically, making communication on the back end particularly important.
Omar Cooper Jr. Avoided a More Serious Injury
The news on Cooper was somewhat more encouraging.
The first-round rookie suffered what was reported as a high ankle sprain after making a 30-yard reception on New York’s opening drive against Tennessee. X-rays were negative, and follow-up testing did not reveal a season-threatening injury.
Still, high ankle sprains are difficult injuries for receivers because they directly affect acceleration, cutting and change of direction.
Cooper did not practice Wednesday and is officially considered week-to-week.
That almost certainly puts his Week 2 availability in serious doubt.
Jets Add Veteran Receiver Depth
New York responded quickly.
The Jets signed veteran receivers Sterling Shepard and Tyler Johnson to the practice squad, while also adding safety John Saunders Jr..
Shepard provides extensive NFL experience and familiarity with MetLife Stadium after spending eight seasons with the Giants. Johnson has previous experience with the Jets and gives the offense another capable depth option while Cooper recovers.
Neither player is expected to simply replace Cooper’s role.
Instead, the Jets will likely distribute the lost snaps among the existing receiving group while potentially elevating one of the veterans on game day.
The Rest of the Injury Report
New York’s Wednesday report contained several other names worth monitoring.
Kene Nwangwu did not practice because of a back injury, while edge defender Joseph Ossai remained out with a foot issue. Glenn said Ossai is getting closer to returning after suffering a plantar-fascia rupture during the preseason.
Cornerback D’Angelo Ponds was limited with a calf injury, while linebacker Jamien Sherwood was limited because of a knee issue. Glenn nevertheless indicated both should be ready for game day.
That leaves Fitzpatrick and Cooper as the two most significant short-term concerns.
The Jets avoided the worst-case scenario.
Neither Fitzpatrick nor Cooper appears likely to miss an extended portion of the season.
But Week 2 comes quickly.
Fitzpatrick’s absence removes one of New York’s most experienced defensive chess pieces just as the Jets prepare for a talented Green Bay passing attack. Cooper’s injury takes one of the offense’s most promising young playmakers out of the rotation.
The Jets proved in Tennessee that they have enough depth to adjust for a few quarters.
Now they have to prove they can do it for an entire game.
If New York can reach 2-0 while its injured starters recover, these injuries become manageable early-season setbacks.
If the secondary or receiving corps struggles against Green Bay, the absences will become much more noticeable.
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