Jets Without Both Starting Guards in Joint Practice vs. Buccaneers

Two key pieces to offensive line puzzle are dealing with minor injuries

The New York Jets' offensive line permitted the opposing pass rush to have its way for much of Wednesday's joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but neither starting guard was participating.

With fans looking on in Florham Park, rookie center Joe Tippmann and versatile veteran Wes Schweitzer were taking first-team reps at the offensive guard spots. Tippmann was filling in for Laken Tomlinson on the left side while Schweitzer was back in for Alijah Vera-Tucker at right guard.

Hampered by an ankle injury, according to head coach Robert Saleh, Vera-Tucker missed his second straight practice.

Tomlinson, however, was a new addition to the sidelines Wednesday.

"Yesterday he just had something going on with his leg," said Saleh, who labeled the left guard as "day to day" after the joint training camp session.

The 31-year-old Tomlinson started all 17 games for the Jets last year in his first season with the franchise. He has not missed a start in a half-decade.

As the Jets try to identify the best offensive line combination to protect future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, they are temporarily without two cornerstone pieces.

Tomlinson and Vera-Tucker have seemingly been penciled in as unquestioned starters throughout the offseason. There has even been whispers of kicking Vera-Tucker out to right tackle to help stabilize the situation on the outside. Regardless of where he plays, the 2021 first-round draft pick may be the most-valuable asset to the unit.

On Tuesday, Saleh mentioned that Vera Tucker's injury has been lingering for some time.

"He's been dealing with it for a while. We're just trying to help him, kind of, take a break to see if we can get his ailment under control," said Saleh.

Before the ankle problem popped up, Vera-Tucker worked his way back from a triceps injury that required surgery and limited him to seven games in 2022.

Gang Green was also without the services of fourth-round rookie offensive tackle Carter Warren on Wednesday.

"He’s dealing with another injury. He should be back, we’re hoping to get him back next week," said Saleh.

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