Sauce Gardner is expected back in the lineup after a one-game absence, but the New York Jets will be without a starting boundary cornerback and a primary backup when they visit the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 15.
Starter DJ Reed, who’s missed practice on Thursday and Friday, was downgraded to out on Saturday. Dealing with a groin issue, he was initially listed as doubtful. Second-string CB Brandin Echols also missed back-to-back practices and was ruled out on Friday due to a shoulder injury.
Meanwhile, starting slot cornerback Michael Carter II doesn’t carry an injury status into Sunday’s game, but he is susceptible to a flare-up from a lingering back problem.
Reed, who is in a contract year, has started 11 of 13 games thus far. He was scratched due to injury in Weeks 2 and 7. After aggravating his groin in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills, Reed is experiencing issues there again.
“Groin, so it’s been something that’s kind of lingered here and there. It’s gotten aggravated, and then it went away. Then, it got aggravated again, so it’s just dealing with that,” said Jets’ interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich on Friday.
As for Echols, it’ll mark the first game he’s missed this season. In addition to being the next man up at cornerback, the 2021 sixth-round draft pick has value as a gunner in punt coverage.
With Reed and Echols sidelined, veteran utility man Isaiah Oliver likely factors into the starting lineup in some capacity.
“Four positions. He’s played dime. He’s played nickel. He’s played safety, and he’s really played WILL backer in some capacities, too,” said Ulbrich. “Just such a cool chess piece for us and he does it without blinking an eye.”
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Rookie Qwan’tez Stiggers will also likely see an increased role against the Jaguars.
“If he gets an opportunity to play, I am excited about what he can do. He is a guy that has demonstrated great growth this season and he has got elite ball skill,” said Ulbrich.
The good news for the Jets is that the Jaguars’ pass offense hasn’t been potent with Mac Jones at the controls. Jacksonville has only two total touchdown passes over the past four games.
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