The New York Jets are a beaten-down bunch heading into their Thursday Night Football home game against the Houston Texans.
The team has officially ruled out six players, including five starters, for the October 31 primetime affair due to injuries. None of the six played in the Week 8 loss to the New England Patriots nor did they practice during the current short week, which did not help the recovery efforts.
Wide receiver Allen Lazard, right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, defensive tackle Leki Fotu along with safeties Tony Adams and Ashtyn Davis were inactive on October 27. They will be unavailable again when the Texans visit MetLife Stadium on Thursday.
Starting linebacker CJ Mosley has also been ruled out due to a neck problem. The injury popped up on the field during Week 8 pregame rituals and the severity was not yet known by interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich on Tuesday.
“Just with this quick turnaround, still collecting information. He’s got all his imaging done now, now it’s just getting all those images to the specialist and getting evaluated,” said Ulbrich.
Meanwhile, the Jets announced the signing of Practice Squad linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball to the 53-man roster earlier on Wednesday. He takes the spot vacated by kicker Greg Zuerlein, who was placed on Injured Reserve with a knee problem.
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Lazard’s absence due to a chest injury means third-round rookie wide receiver Malachi Corley will likely be active against the Texans. With Vera-Tucker hampered by an ankle, Jake Hanson is in line to make a second start at right guard after working through a thumb injury this week. Converted cornerbacks Jalen Mills and Isaiah Oliver are the likely replacements for Adams (hamstring) and Davis (concussion) in the defensive secondary.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was limited on Monday, does not carry an injury status heading into Thursday night.
“I feel really good. I mean, I don’t know what it is about these Thursday’s, but I made it through the game without any issues and I feel much better,” said Rodgers after Tuesday’s practice.
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