The New York Jets continue navigating another lost season while managing injuries throughout their roster. Garrett Wilson aggravated his knee injury during the team’s win over Cleveland and has been on injured reserve ever since. Will fantasy football managers have their top receiver available for the stretch run?
Garrett Wilson Injury Update
The knee problem first surfaced late in the Jets’ Week 6 defeat to Denver in London. The injury sidelined Wilson for Week 7 and Week 8. New York had a bye in Week 9, providing additional recovery time.​
Wilson returned in Week 10 but didn’t catch any of his three targets before aggravating the knee. He left the game in the third quarter after making a diving attempt to secure a deep ball from quarterback Justin Fields. Wilson came down hard and hobbled off the field with roughly seven minutes left in the third quarter.​
Wilson was spotted on the stationary bike on the sidelines after spending five minutes in the medical tent. He tried to get himself ready to return, but couldn’t. By the end of the quarter, he was on the bike talking with several members of the Jets’ medical staff. When the fourth quarter started, he sat on the bench.​
Head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed after the contest that Wilson re-injured the same knee that had cost him two games earlier this season. “Garrett just came back down on his knee. That was the same knee that he injured before,” Glenn said.​
The Jets placed Wilson on injured reserve before the team’s Week 11 game against the Patriots. This designation guarantees he’ll miss at least four games. The IR placement aligned with Rich Cimini’s earlier report that Wilson would be out 3-4 weeks.​
Wilson has now missed two of the mandatory four games. Assuming the initial timeline proves accurate, Wilson could return when first eligible in Week 15, the first week of the fantasy playoffs.
Of course, there’s also the very real possibility that the Jets shut Wilson down for the rest of the season. After all, they’re not making the playoffs. Wilson is their franchise receiver. There’s no real incentive for him to play out meaningless December games.​
Head coach Aaron Glenn did say he expects Wilson to play again this season. “I think he’ll play,” Glenn told reporters, though he added the decision ultimately rests with the team’s doctors. It’s important to note that how Glenn feels now may not reflect how he feels in another two weeks.
Wilson Fantasy Outlook
Wilson’s recurring knee problem has become a significant concern for fantasy managers who drafted him as a potential WR2. The injury has now cost him multiple games and threatens to derail the rest of his season.​
The Jets turned to Tyrod Taylor at quarterback this week, benching Fields after another poor showing. Taylor started last week at Baltimore, his second of the season. If Wilson can return, his fantasy prospects will be brighter with the veteran quarterback under center.​
MORE: Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
In Wilson’s absence, Tyler Johnson, John Metchie, and Adonai Mitchell will handle the receiving duties. Mitchell made his debut two weeks ago against the Patriots and could continue to see his role expand. Metchie has had two solid performances bolstered by touchdowns, but I hesitate to recommend him in fantasy lineups.
At this point, Wilson is borderline droppable for fantasy purposes. He wasn’t producing much even when on the field. Now fantasy managers know he won’t play again during the fantasy regular season. If you need to make the playoffs and Wilson is occupying a roster spot, feel free to let him go.​
It’s encouraging that the Jets haven’t committed to shutting their top receiver down for the season, even though they’re eliminated from playoff contention. However, fantasy managers stashing Wilson need to know there’s a legitimate chance he won’t contribute again in 2025.​
The Jets may prefer to keep Wilson on the shelf for the remainder of the season to ensure he doesn’t suffer another, more severe injury that could impact 2026. With the team already out of playoff contention, there’s little reason to risk their franchise receiver in meaningless December contests.​
