Two Jets' Defensive Starters 'Still in the Protocol'

Robert Saleh gives non-detailed injury update prior to Monday's walkthrough practice

The New York Jets are hoping that their two starting cornerbacks can clear concussion protocol this week. 

Speaking to reporters for the first time in seven days, head coach Robert Saleh provided a vague post-bye update on Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed. 

"We’ll have a better idea Wednesday," said Saleh on Monday in Florham Park. "They are still in the protocol."

The Jets were without both defensive starters during their Week 6 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Gardner entered concussion protocol one day prior to kickoff. He missed an October 13 practice due to an illness that turned out to be a result of concussion symptoms. 

Meanwhile, Reed missed back-to-back games prior to the bye week. Saleh announced that the veteran cornerback was being placed into the protocol on October 4. 

Gardner and Reed had made 21 consecutive starts opposite one another after joining the Gang Green for the 2022 season. They were key contributors to a defense that finished the year as the NFL's fourth-ranked unit.

While the two starting cornerbacks deal with head injuries, backups Brandin Echols and Justin Hardee have been hampered by hamstrings. The latter is currently on Injured Reserve while the former is looking to avoid sitting out a third straight contest. 

Further complicating matters for a Jets' secondary that has limited Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts to a combined 3:8 touchdown-to-interception ratio, slot cornerback Michael Carter II tweaked his hamstring in the victory over Philly. 

Although seemingly not severe, Carter's injury is worth monitoring as the Green & White preps for an October 29 game against the New York Giants. 

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