Key Offensive Line Piece Missing from Jets' Practice on Tuesday

Starting guard dealing with minor injury according to Robert Saleh

There was a surprise absence at New York Jets' practice on Tuesday in Florham Park.

Offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker, who has been penciled in as the team's starting right guard, was a non-participant for the session, which was open to media. 

Offseason free-agent addition Wes Schweitzer was taking first-team reps with Vera-Tucker sidelined.

"He's just dealing with an ankle," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh after Tuesday's practice. "He's going to be day to day."

The versatile Vera-Tucker did not play in Saturday's preseason game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, but there was no indication that he was hampered by an injury at the time. A total of 21 players, including quarterback Aaron Rodgers, were not dressed for the Jets' latest preseason affair. 

"He's been dealing with it for awhile. We're just trying to help him, kind of, take a break to see if we can get his ailment under control," said Saleh later on in his post-practice press conference.

The 24-year-old Vera-Tucker was on site in the morning, making a live appearance on WFAN's Boomer and Gio show. Broadcasting their show from a remote location at camp, former Jets' quarterback Boomer Esiason and co-host Gregg Giannotti interviewed the 2021 first-round draft pick as he sat with them behind a "Boomer and Gio" branded desk.

With Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker pic.twitter.com/G5sVnewKAa

— Morning Show with Boomer & Gio (@WFANmornings) August 15, 2023

Vera-Tucker, who also has ability to play tackle, is an important piece to the Jets' offense this season. Saleh has repeatedly said the 6-foot-5 lineman has All-Pro potential as a guard.

The third-year pro saw his 2022 campaign cut short by a triceps injury that required surgery. He has started all 23 of his career appearances, including spending his rookie season at left guard prior to the arrival of veteran Laken Tomlinson. 

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