Latest Injury May Create More Change for Jets' Offensive Line

Veteran tackle misses second straight practice due to hand issue

The New York Jets could be forced into using a sixth different starting offensive line combination when the visit the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 10.

For the second day in a row, veteran Billy Turner was a non-participant at practice. After starting at right tackle against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night, the 32-year-old showed up on the injury report on Wednesday with a finger issue.

Turner played all 81 offensive snaps in the loss to the Chargers. He was charged with surrendering nine pressures in pass blocking. The grizzled veteran was the Jets' fourth different starting right tackle already this season.

"He's dealing with a hand [injury], which popped up after the game. He's not gonna practice today," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh Wednesday. "It's concerning. We'll see how the week progresses."

Should Turner be unavailable for the Sunday Night Football showdown in the desert, the Jets would likely move second-year pro Max Mitchell from right guard back to right tackle. Mitchell made two starts there earlier in the year after Alijah Vera-Tucker was lost for the season. Turner on the shelf and Mitchell at right tackle leaves an opening at right guard. The Jets could call up Xavier Newman from the Practice Squad or slide Chris Glaser into the spot. 

Another solution would present itself if Duane Brown is ready to return. Brown, who practiced fully, is working his way back into game shape after a stint on Injured Reserve. When available, Brown likely fits in at left tackle, meaning Mekhi Becton would flip back over to the right side and Mitchell can remain at right guard.

The Jets will have to figure something out up front with a matchup against Raiders' edge rusher Maxx Crosby looming on November 12. Crosby recorded 3.0 sacks in the team's 30-6 win over the New York Giants last week.

In addition to Turner, linebacker Chazz Surratt did not practice on Thursday in Florham Park. Meanwhile, receiver Allen Lazard (knee), tight end Jeremy Ruckert (shoulder) and linebacker Quincy Williams (knee) were all limited for the second straight day.

Jets Deploy Fifth Different Starting Offensive Line Configuration to No Avail

Jets' Injury Report

THURSDAY 
LB Chazz Surratt (ankle) — DNP
OL Billy Turner (finger) — DNP
WR Allen Lazard (knee) — LP
TE Jeremy Ruckert (shoulder) — LP
LB Quincy Williams (knee) — LP
OL Mekhi Becton (knee) — FP 
OL Duane Brown (hip) — FP

WEDNESDAY
LB Chazz Surratt (ankle) — DNP
OL Billy Turner (finger) — DNP
OL Mekhi Becton (knee) — LP
WR Allen Lazard (knee) — LP
TE Jeremy Ruckert (shoulder) — LP
LB Quincy Williams (knee) — LP
OL Duane Brown (hip) — FP

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