Jets' Alijah Vera-Tucker out with significant arm injury, source confirms
New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker during training camp. Credit: Corey Sipkin
The Jets suffered a major hit to their offensive line just days before their Week 1 game against the Steelers.
Right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker sustained a serious injury to his triceps in practice on Tuesday, a league source said. ESPN reported that the fear is Vera-Tucker tore his triceps and would require season-ending surgery.
Vera-Tucker was undergoing further testing and seeking a second opinion. But the Jets are bracing for him to miss significant time, regardless.
Vera-Tucker was listed on the Jets’ first official injury report as "Did Not Participate" because of a triceps injury. That was an estimation because the Jets didn’t practice on Wednesday. Aaron Glenn is expected to provide an update on Vera-Tucker when they return to the field on Thursday.
Vera-Tucker, 26, had a strong camp and was just voted a captain for the first time in his five-year career. He is the Jets’ best offensive lineman and a key piece up front in what will be a run-heavy offense.
Vera-Tucker was expected to anchor the right side of the line and help rookie right tackle Armand Membou this season. The Jets could move center Joe Tippmann over to right guard now to fill Vera-Tucker’s spot.
Tippmann started four games at right guard as a rookie two years ago. He also played left guard during this training camp and preseason when left guard John Simpson missed time. Tippmann and Josh Myers competed for the starting center position in camp. Glenn hadn’t announced the starter as of yet, but it might be Myers by default.
Myers was the Packers starting center the past four seasons and Jets quarterback Justin Fields’ center at Ohio State. Xavier Newman is the Jets backup interior lineman. They could also elevate Marquis Hayes or Kohl Levao from the practice squad for guard depth.
Vera-Tucker has been an important versatile player and starter since the Jets drafted him in the first round in 2021. He’s played all across the line except for center but has been plagued by injuries.
He’s missed 25 games in four seasons, 22 of them over the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Vera-Tucker was out the final 10 games of 2022 after tearing his triceps. The following season, he suffered a torn Achilles tendon and was out the last 12.
The timing of this injury couldn’t have been worse for Vera-Tucker. He’s in the final year of his contract and seeking a new deal. Vera-Tucker has expressed his desire to remain with the Jets. They’ve said they want to keep him, too. But Vera-Tucker’s latest injury could cloud his future as a Jet.
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers stands on the sidelines during the first half of a preseason game against the Buccaneers on Aug. 16 in Pittsburgh. Credit: AP/Matt Freed
Injury report
Sauce Gardner was limited, according to the injury report, due to a fibula issue. He has missed a few weeks with a calf injury. Gardner said he was “back at 100%” after Tuesday’s practice. … Backup offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor (hand) did not participate and backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor (knee) was limited.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
