Jets' Saleh Explains Absences for Three Key Players from Tuesday's Practice

Head coach provides updates on left tackle, wide receiver and defensive end

There could be good news coming soon for three New York Jets' veterans who did not practice on Tuesday ahead of the team's final preseason game.

Left tackle Duane Brown, receiver Corey Davis and edge rusher Carl Lawson are all out for various reasons, but likely not for long.

Brown has been on the physically unable to perform list since the start of training camp, but the battle-tested bookend projects as the team's Week 1 starter. The 16th-year pro is working his way back from offseason shoulder surgery.

"Duane (Brown) is in Houston getting his evaluation, so hopefully we hear something tonight or tomorrow," said Saleh prior to Tuesday's on-field activity in Florham Park.

Set to turn 38 years old on August 30, Brown made 12 starts while playing through a torn rotator cuff during the 2022 campaign. He signed a two-year contract with Gang Green last August.

Davis, who is heading into the third season of his three-year deal, has been absent from practices since August 16 due to personal reasons.

"Corey is still dealing with a personal matter, so hopefully soon," said Saleh.

Rumored to be a cut candidate early in the offseason, Davis has earned a public vote of confidence from Saleh on multiple occasions. The physical receiver, who combines big-play ability with sound run blocking, appears to be a fit in Nathaniel Hackett's offense.

Meanwhile, a back issue continues to limit Lawson's activity. The starting defensive end, who made 7.0 sacks and didn't miss a game in 2022 coming off Achilles' surgery, last practiced on August 5.

"He’s still working through some of the back issues he’s had and we’re being diligent with him," said Saleh. 

Although a non-participant in practices, Lawson has been working out on the side field recently.

"He’s been running, he’s been doing all this stuff, but we just want to make sure that his back is 100 percent before we throw him out there," said Saleh.

The Jets' preseason is winding down with the August 29 roster cutdown deadline exactly one week away. There are only 20 days to go until the Monday Night Football season opener on September 11.

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