sports and game - The New York Jets' 2025 season has hit an early setback as starting right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker sustained a significant arm injury during Tuesday's practice that could require surgery, according to...
multiple team sources. The injury comes just days before the team's season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, forcing the Jets to scramble for solutions on their offensive line.
Vera-Tucker, 26, who was recently voted team captain, is currently seeking a second opinion on the injury. This development is particularly concerning given his history of season-ending injuries - he missed 10 games in 2022 with a torn triceps and 12 games in 2023 due to a torn Achilles, both injuries occurring coincidentally in Denver.
The timing couldn't be worse for both the Jets and Vera-Tucker personally. The former first-round pick is in the final year of his rookie contract, playing under his fifth-year option worth $15.3 million guaranteed. First-year head coach Aaron Glenn had previously expressed interest in extending Vera-Tucker's contract, praising him as "a great player" and indicating a desire to secure his long-term future with the team.
The Jets' offensive line, which was considered one of the team's strengths entering the season, will now require significant restructuring. The most likely scenario involves center Joe Tippmann sliding over to right guard, with Josh Myers, a former Green Bay Packers starter, taking over at center. This adjustment comes as the team is also monitoring left guard John Simpson, who has been dealing with back issues during the preseason.
The impact of Vera-Tucker's absence extends beyond just the offensive line. The Jets were counting on his presence to help ease the transition for rookie right tackle Armand Membou, who now faces a steeper learning curve without the veteran presence beside him.
Vera-Tucker, 26, who was recently voted team captain, is currently seeking a second opinion on the injury. This development is particularly concerning given his history of season-ending injuries - he missed 10 games in 2022 with a torn triceps and 12 games in 2023 due to a torn Achilles, both injuries occurring coincidentally in Denver.
The timing couldn't be worse for both the Jets and Vera-Tucker personally. The former first-round pick is in the final year of his rookie contract, playing under his fifth-year option worth $15.3 million guaranteed. First-year head coach Aaron Glenn had previously expressed interest in extending Vera-Tucker's contract, praising him as "a great player" and indicating a desire to secure his long-term future with the team.
The Jets' offensive line, which was considered one of the team's strengths entering the season, will now require significant restructuring. The most likely scenario involves center Joe Tippmann sliding over to right guard, with Josh Myers, a former Green Bay Packers starter, taking over at center. This adjustment comes as the team is also monitoring left guard John Simpson, who has been dealing with back issues during the preseason.
The impact of Vera-Tucker's absence extends beyond just the offensive line. The Jets were counting on his presence to help ease the transition for rookie right tackle Armand Membou, who now faces a steeper learning curve without the veteran presence beside him.