It turns out LG Kelechi Osemele is not getting surgery just quite yet.
There were multiple reports on Tuesday that Osemele needed season-ending shoulder surgery. The Jets, however, are not quite there yet.
“With his shoulder, not going to practice,” Gase told reporters at Wednesday’s press conference. “We’re still going through our process as far as what’s going on with his deal.”
When asked what his previous comment meant, Gase added: “That means I don’t have an answer for you.”
In other words, Gase did not confirm that that offensive lineman needs surgery. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport was the first to report that he did.
“Ian Rapoport has better information than me,” Gase said.
Gase didn’t directly say whether or not Osemele will need surgery. He has danced around the question but later said that the team doesn’t have a final answer on that just yet.
The lack of a decision is consistent with what the head coach has been saying, though. Last Thursday, Gase admitted that he believed Osemele would avoid surgery. Obviously, the report from Rapoport, which was confirmed by others, contradicted Gase. He did not appear to take kindly to that.
Osemele has been banged up all season between the shoulder injury, a balky knee and a recent illness. It is more likely than not that he’ll opt for surgery. Just don’t expect Gase to confirm it until it actually happens.
