The New York Jets’ difficult season took another turn with the loss of their elite offensive weapon. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson was placed on injured reserve after aggravating the right knee injury that has hindered him since Week 6, making it unclear whether he will return before the end of the season.
The Latest on Garrett Wilson’s Injury
Garrett Wilson first injured the knee late in the Jets’ Week 6 loss to the Denver Broncos in London. Diagnosed as a sprain, the injury kept him out for Weeks 7 and 8, and the team’s Week 9 bye offered additional time to recover. He returned to the lineup in Week 10, but his comeback did not last long.
During the third quarter of the game, Wilson injured his knee again while attempting a diving catch on a deep pass from quarterback Justin Fields. After hitting the ground hard, he immediately limped toward the sideline and entered the medical tent.
Following the initial evaluation, Wilson spent time on a stationary bike to test the knee and determine whether he could finish the game. Despite appearing to prepare for a potential return, he remained on the bench for the entire fourth quarter. After the game, coach Aaron Glenn confirmed that Wilson had reaggravated the same knee that previously kept him out.
The Jets placed Wilson on injured reserve before last Thursday’s game against the New England Patriots, guaranteeing a minimum four-game absence. One of those games was the loss to New England. ESPN previously reported that Wilson was expected to miss three to four weeks. Glenn did not dispute the projection and said Friday that he expects the receiver will play again this season, though he added that the medical staff will make the final call.
If the current timetable holds, Wilson could return as early as Week 15 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, with the Jets at 2-8 and effectively out of postseason contention, the team might choose to avoid unnecessary risk and keep him out for the rest of the season.
Before the injury, Wilson had been the focal point of the Jets’ passing offense, leading the team with 36 receptions, 395 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. His PFSN WR Impact Score is 72.4 with a C- grade.
The situation is compounded by the loss of fellow starting receiver Josh Reynolds, who is also on injured reserve. In the meantime, the Jets will turn to Tyler Johnson, John Metchie, and rookie Adonai Mitchell.