Jets Lose Two Players to Injured Reserve in Loss to Atlanta

Saleh reports on 'extenstive' injuries for tight end and defensive tackle

The New York Jets' latest loss came with an additional cost health wise.

Head coach Robert Saleh announced the team's intention to send two players to Injured Reserve as a result of injuries sustained in a 13-8 setback to the Atlanta Falcons on a rainy day at MetLife Stadium. 

Veteran tight end C.J. Uzomah and second-year defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey both exited the December 3 game and did not return. As it turns out, they probably won't be back at all this year. 

"Perrion and C.J. are extensive [injuries]," said Saleh on Monday.

Uzomah went down on the Jets' second offensive play from scrimmage in Week 13. The tight end was run blocking on a what turned out to be a one-yard loss on second down. He was seen holding his right knee while down on the turf.

"C.J. Uzomah, he's dealing with an MCL. He's out and he'll go to IR," reported Saleh.

Winfrey's season came to an end on a third-quarter special teams play. The Practice Squad call-up, who was making his Jets' debut, got caught up in the trenches while attempting to black a 42-yard field goal by Younghoe Koo with 18:41 remaining in the game. He was visibly in discomfort while being carted off. 

"Perrion Winfrey, he is out. IR with a foot," confirmed Saleh.

Following Sunday's setback, Saleh hinted at the severity of Winfrey's injury.

"That one is pretty bad, really bad," said Saleh during the postgame press conference.

The 30-year-old Uzomah is in the second season of a lucrative three-year contract signed in 2022. He has not been a noticeable factor in the passing game, totaling 58 yards and one touchdown on eight catches thus far in 2023. 

Winfrey, who is 23, inked a Practice Squad deal with the Jets on November 7. He had been unemployed since the Cleveland Browns released their 2022 fourth-round draft pick this past July. On Sunday, Winfrey was one of four interior defensive linemen suiting up for Gang Green, which lost tackle Al Woods to an Achilles tear in Week 8. 

In a more hopeful injury update, Saleh announced that wide receiver Jason Brownlee could return soon.

"Brownlee's dealing with an ankle. We'll see how that goes over the course of the week," said Saleh.

Brownlee, an undrafted rookie, logged 34 offensive snaps against the Falcons, but was not targeted as a receiver in the game. He has two receptions for 20 yards this season.

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