Final Injury Report: Greg Zuerlein among Three Jets Questionable to Face Browns on TNF

New York could be down one specialist while Cleveland may be missing kicker and punter
Final Injury Report: Greg Zuerlein among Three Jets Questionable to Face Browns on TNF
Final Injury Report: Greg Zuerlein among Three Jets Questionable to Face Browns on TNF /

There were no significant surprises on the New York Jets' final injury report prior to the Thursday Night Football matchup in Cleveland.

As expected, quarterback Zach Wilson and tight end Jeremy Ruckert were officially ruled out as both players remain in concussion protocol. While veteran Trevor Siemian will make his second straight start in place of Wilson, seventh-round rookie tight end Zack Kuntz has been signed to the 53-man roster to offset Ruckert's unavailability.

Three Jets are listed as questionable to face the Browns on December 28.

The most-concerning unknown of the bunch is Week 16 hero Greg Zuerlein. The 36-year-old kicker, who nailed the game-winning 54-yard field goal with 00:05 remaining against Washington, is nursing a sore right quad. He was limited in practice on Wednesday after not participating Tuesday. The Jets added Austin Seibert to the Practice Squad in case a substitute kicker is needed.

Rookie running back Israel Abanikanda has been limited throughout the practice week by an ankle injury. Veteran receiver Allen Lazard is also questionable after popping up with an illness on Wednesday.

In a troubling development for the Browns, WR1 Amari Cooper did not practice during the short week following his 265-yard receiving day against Houston. Listed as questionable to play due to a heel injury, Cooper is reportedly a true gametime decision.

Cleveland will definitely be without their starting place kicker as Dustin Hopkins has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury. The Browns picked up Riley Patterson to kick on Thursday night in his absence.

Cleveland's punter Corey Bojorquez is in jeopardy of missing the TNF appearance, too, having not practiced all week due to a quad injury. He is officially doubtful to dress. The team added Matt Haack to their Practice Squad as insurance.

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Jets' Final Injury Report

WEDNESDAY
QB Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) — DNP 
(Game: OUT) 

TE Jeremy Ruckert (concussion) — DNP 
(Game: OUT) 

QB Zach Wilson (concussion) — DNP 
(Game: OUT) 

RB Israel Abanikanda (ankle) — LP 
(Game: Questionable) 

WR Allen Lazard (illness) — DNP 
(Game: Questionable) 

K Greg Zuerlein (right quad) — LP 
(Game: Questionable) 

DB Ashtyn Davis (abdominal) — FP 
(Game: – ) 

DL John Franklin-Myers (ankle / groin) — FP 
(Game: – ) 

DB Justin Hardee (foot) — FP 
(Game: – ) 

QB Trevor Siemian (right elbow) — FP 
(Game: – ) 

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Ralph Ventre
RALPH VENTRE

Ralph, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20 years of media experience to the New York Jets beat. Prior to concentrating on Gang Green, he covered the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on FanNation. Ventre remains as an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. The veteran sports media professional resides in his native state of New Jersey.