Jets place Garrett Wilson on IR with knee injury ahead of game vs. Patriots
Garrett Wilson of the Jets runs a reception during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on Oct. 5. Credit: Jim McIsaac
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Garrett Wilson will miss at least the next four games with a right knee injury.
The Jets placed their star receiver on injured reserve before Thursday night’s game against the New England Patriots.
The earliest Wilson can return is Week 15 at Jacksonville. In addition to his health, the Jets’ record and place in the standings could determine whether he returns at all this season. The Jets took a 2-7 mark into Thursday night.
The Jets haven’t announced the extent of the injury. ESPN reported from a source that Wilson has a sprained knee. Jets coach Aaron Glenn was perturbed that information got out and would not answer questions Tuesday about Wilson’s health.
When Glenn was asked specifically if Wilson was a candidate for IR, the coach said to ask the writer who reported the injury.
Wilson initially was hurt in Week 6 against the Broncos in London and missed the next two games. He returned on Sunday against Cleveland but reinjured the knee when he landed on it trying to catch a pass. It was the first game of Wilson’s career in which he didn’t record a reception.
The Jets don’t have a proven No. 2 receiver behind Wilson. His absence should give some young players and new faces an opportunity to step up. Rookie Arian Smith and newly acquired AD Mitchell and John Metchie could be involved going forward.
Mitchell arrived from the Colts in the Sauce Gardner trade and Metchie was acquired from the Eagles when the Jets sent Michael Carter II to Philadelphia. The Jets also will lean on running back Breece Hall and rookie tight end Mason Taylor in the passing game.
Wilson, who signed a four-year, $130 million extension in July, has 36 catches for 395 yards and four touchdowns. He came into this season looking to become the first Jet to record 1,000 receiving yards for four consecutive seasons. This IR stint all but ends his chances.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
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