The New York Jets are thin at safety following a rash of injuries and may be forced to draft two converted cornerbacks against the New England Patriots.
With Chuck Clark on injured reserve, backup starter Ashtyn Davis suffered a concussion in Week 7 and has yet to complete mandatory protocol. With Davis already ruled out, starting free safety Tony Adams is questionable to play due to a hamstring injury.
In addition to Davis, starting right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and defensive tackle Leki Fotu were declared unavailable for the Oct. 27 road game.
“AVT will be out with his ankle. Leki will be out as well, and Ashtyn will be out due to the concussion protocol,” interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said after Friday’s practice at Florham Park.
In addition to missing a key piece up front, New York’s offense could also be without its second pass catcher. Starting receiver Allen Lazard, who scored a team-high five touchdowns, was listed as questionable along with Adams.
“TA is still a game decision, he’s probably uncertain at the moment, but we’ll still evaluate him, we still have time here. Then Allen Lazard is in the same kind of boat with his chest,” said Ulbrich said.
Starting right tackle Morgan Moses, who was limited in practice by a knee injury last week, is officially questionable for the Week 8 divisional tilt.
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In a positive development, starting cornerbacks DJ Reed and Michael Carter II will return to the secondary after missing time. Both Reed and Carter were full participants Friday and do not carry an injury status until Sunday. Although all three starting corners are available, the Jets will likely have to rely on Jalen Mills and Isaiah Oliver at the safety spots.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is dealing with knee and hamstring issues, was promoted to full membership Friday after back-to-back limited practices. He is ready to leave on Sunday.
© Charles LeClaire
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