Two Jets' Rookies Likely Out Two Weeks due to Injury

Second-round offensive lineman and fifth-round running back on the mend

Interior lineman Joe Tippmann and ball carrier Israel Abanikanda won't take the field for the New York Jets' upcoming preseason finale.

The two rookies are dealing with injuries suffered during this past Saturday's exhibition against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to Jets' head coach Robert Saleh, Tippmann has a knee problem while Abanikanda suffered a thigh contusion from a collision on a fourth-quarter rushing attempt.

Tippmann, the No. 43 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, started the third preseason tilt at left guard before moving to center after Connor McGovern's day was done.

"Tippmann, he's dealing with his knee. Knock on wood, we're anticipating that he'll be available for the beginning of the season," said Saleh while addressing reporters prior to Tuesday's practice in Florham Park.

Abanikanda, who carried four times for 30 yards, remained on the ground after a two-yard gain in the fourth quarter of the 13-6 setback. He needed to be helped off the field. 

The Brooklyn-born running back sustained the injury when his right knee unintentionally banged into the either the right knee of right guard Adam Pankey or the defender that the offensive lineman was engaged with during the play (the TV replay wasn't 100 percent conclusive).

"Izzy's has got a thigh contusion, got away with another one," said Saleh in his update on the fifth-round draft choice who starred at Brooklyn's Lincoln High School prior to a decorated career at Pitt. "He's gonna be a couple of weeks."

Tippmann and Abanikanda both appeared in all three Jets' preseason games thus far. The latter has recorded 113 rush yards and one touchdown on 25 carries.

The two-week time frame will run into game week for the Jets' Monday Night Football season opener on September 11. Official cuts must be made prior to 4:00 pm ET on next Tuesday, August 29.

Delivering some good news, Saleh announced that starting guards Alijah Vera-Tucker and Laken Tomlinson are returning to practice this week.

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