New York Jets 2021 Preseason Injury Report

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2 min read • August 14, 2021

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NFL

New York Jets

RB Tevin Coleman

Coleman missed five of the first seven games after suffering a knee injury in what was a tumultuous season for the 49ers backfield. In his return from IR, he re-aggravated the knee injury causing him to miss an additional three games. The knee injury was not structural and did not require surgery, and a change of scene might be good for him. His versatility as a runner and receiver make him a great fit for a young unproven Jets offense looking to build an identity. 

WR Denzel Mims

The rookie wideout missed the first six games of the year due to a hamstring issue that had him start on IR. He dealt with issues to both hamstrings and seemed to have trouble jump-starting his year after missing time in camp and the beginning of the season. During the offseason, Mims apparently lost 20 pounds due to food poisoning but should be no issue going forward.  However, Mims is set up for a more successful second season but as always, production with a rookie quarterback will be reliant on how well they can get on the same page naturally.

WR Elijah Moore

The rookie wideout is nursing a quad injury that will cost him the preseason opener and likely more. This is costly for the Ole Miss product as he loses valuable practice/game time and will have to play catch up for the rest of the season. Look for the speedy wideout to start the year off slowly but could gain traction as the season progresses. 

OL Mekhi Becton

The hulking left tackle dealt with a significant shoulder injury that caused him to miss two games and leave prematurely in another. There were concerns he was pushed back into playing too quickly, but Becton did show toughness despite the circumstances. The shoulder issue should be a non-factor this season.

DL Quinnen Williams

Williams fractured a small bone in his foot during a workout and will head to surgery to fix what was likely a 5th metatarsal Jones fracture. Given the offseason injury, Williams can take his time to recover which will in turn reduce the re-fracture rate. The former Alabama product has started camp on the PUP list and there is no reason to pressure into returning although we believe he can return Week 1. Williams is looking to build on a solid 2020 campaign where he racked up a career-high seven sacks in 13 games. The expectation is that he should have a successful season despite the foot surgery.

Quinnen Williams Update 08/17:

Williams passed his physical and was activated off the PUP list today. Williams will be worked into practice after he dealing with an offseason Jones fracture and subsequent surgery. If he stays this pace, he could be ready to play Week 1 and will undoubtedly get stronger as the season goes.

DE Carl Lawson

The new free agent signing suffered a torn achilles and will miss the entire 2021 season. Lawson first heard a pop and there were fears of an Achilles tear and usually very easy to tell once diagnosed on the field. It is always good to get an MRI but the Jets already knew pre-MRI. This is unfortunate news for the New York Jets as they were relying on him to be a pass rushing contributor this season. This is his third significant injury of his career but expect him to be ready for camp in 2022. The Jets will likely test free agency for a new defensive end.

DL Sheldon Rankins

Rankins was placed on IR due to a knee issue that kept him out of five games in 2020. He has had his share of injuries but is looking for a fresh start with the Jets. Rankins struggles with Haglund deformity, or abnormality of bone and soft tissues in his foot. This issue was the cause of an Achilles injury in the 2018 playoffs. He worked his way back to the field sooner than expected in 2019, but finished the season on injured reserve with an ankle injury. He should be ready to go and his presence on this line should scare opposing offenses if he can stay healthy.