Final Injury Report: Three Jets' Cornerbacks Out, Eagles Missing Key Defensive Pieces

DJ Reed still in concussion protocol while Sauce Gardner questionable for Gang Green due to illness

The New York Jets will be without at least three cornerbacks when they host the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on October 15. Meanwhile, a fourth member of the defensive backfield is questionable due to illness.

Starter D.J. Reed has yet to clear concussion protocol and will miss his second straight game. Backups Brandin Echols and Justin Hardee, who are both major special teams contributors, did not practice this week and won't be available on Sunday due to hamstring injuries. 

In a surprising development, the Jets' secondary practiced sans Sauce Gardner on Friday. The CB1 popped up on the injury report with an illness and officially carries a questionable designation for the Week 6 home game.

Reed's absence means Bryce Hall will get another start at cornerback. Even if Gardner is able to play, the Jets will almost certainly need to elevate a cornerback or two from the Practice Squad for gameday. Craig James, Tae Hayes and Kalon Barnes are the options available.

When it comes to compensating for the loss on special teams, Jets' head coach Robert Saleh said Irv Charles will play a role. The team signed the second-year receiver to the active roster earlier this week after he forced a fumble as a gameday elevation in Denver.

"Irv [Charles] coming up is a big deal. We've got some reinforcements," said Saleh.

Jets' special teams must also plan for the possibility of returner Xavier Gipson being unavailable. The rookie was a new addition to the injury report on Friday. He was limited in practice due to an ankle.

The Eagles secondary will be down two starters with cornerback Darius Slay and safety Justin Evans both ruled out on Friday. 

Philadelphia suffered two injuries during the week and both players will be unavailable to face the Jets. Defensive tackle Jalen Carter landed on the injury report on Thursday with an ankle injury and receiver Quez Watkins was listed with a hamstring issue on Friday. 

The Eagles are currently a 6.5-point road favorite over the Jets according to SI Sportsbook. The game will kick off at 4:25 pm ET on FOX.

Jets Sign Three PS Players, Release Former First-Rounder

Jets vs. Eagles Injury Report

FRIDAY
Jets
CB Brandin Echols (hamstring) — DNP 
(Game: OUT) 

CB Justin Hardee (hamstring) — DNP 
(Game: OUT) 

CB D.J. Reed (concussion) — DNP 
(Game: OUT) 

FB Nick Bawden (calf) — FP 
(Game: Questionable) 

DL Micheal Clemons (ankle) — LP 
(Game: Questionable)  

CB Sauce Gardner (illness) — DNP 
(Game: Questionable) 

WR Xavier Gipson (ankle) — LP 
(Game: Questionable)

OT Mekhi Becton (knee) — FP 
(Game: – ) 

OT Billy Turner (toe) — FP
(Game: – ) 

OL Joe Tippmann (knee) — FP 
(Game: – ) 

Eagles
DT Jalen Carter (ankle) — DNP 
(Game: OUT) 

S Justin Evans (knee) — DNP 
(Game: OUT) 

CB Darius Slay (knee) — DNP 
(Game: OUT) 

WR Quez Watkins (hamstring) — DNP 
(Game: OUT) 

S Sydney Brown (hamstring) — LP 
(Game: Questionable) 

DT Marlon Tuipulotu (triceps) — LP
(Game: Questionable) 

LB Nakobe Dean (foot) — FP 
(Game: – ) 

TE Jack Stoll (shoulder) — LP 
(Game: – ) 

DT Fletcher Cox (back) — FP 
(Game: – ) 

RB Rashad Penny (illness) — FP 
(Game: – ) 

THURSDAY 
Jets
CB Brandin Echols (hamstring) — DNP
CB Justin Hardee (hamstring) — DNP
FB Nick Bawden (calf) — LP
OT Mekhi Becton (knee) — LP
CB D.J. Reed (concussion) — LP
OT Billy Turner (toe) — LP
DL Micheal Clemons (ankle) — LP
OL Joe Tippmann (knee) — FP

Eagles
DT Jalen Carter (ankle) — DNP
S Justin Evans (knee) — DNP
CB Darius Slay (knee) — DNP
S Sydney Brown (hamstring) — LP
LB Nakobe Dean (foot) — LP
TE Jack Stoll (shoulder) — LP 
DT Marlon Tuipulotu (triceps) — LP
DT Fletcher Cox (back) — FP
RB Rashad Penny (illness) — FP 

Jets Sit in Familiar Position for Sixth Straight Week

WEDNESDAY
Jets
FB Nick Bawden (calf) — DNP
CB Brandin Echols (hamstring) — DNP
CB Justin Hardee (hamstring) — DNP
OT Mekhi Becton (knee) — LP
CB D.J. Reed (concussion) — LP
OT Billy Turner (toe) — LP
DL Micheal Clemons (ankle) — FP
OL Joe Tippmann (knee) — FP

Eagles
S Justin Evans (knee) — DNP
CB Darius Slay (knee) — DNP
DT Marlon Tuipulotu (triceps) — DNP
S Sydney Brown (hamstring) — LP
DT Fletcher Cox (back) — LP
LB Nakobe Dean (foot) — LP
TE Jack Stoll (shoulder) — LP
RB Rashad Penny (illness) — FP 

READ MORE:

Breece Hall Proves He's Back and Better Than Ever

Jets' Specialist Takes Home AFC Weekly Honor

Starting WR Credits Hackett for Helping Get Zach On Track

Undrafted Rookie Keeping Mecole Hardman on Bench