New York’s early-season woes got even worse earlier this week when Marcus Maye was ruled out with an ankle injury.
Robert Saleh said Friday that Maye is expected back against the Patriots, placing him out of action for the Jets’ next two games. Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich are still going to have to find a way to replace their star safety in the short-term, though, and will likely count on a wave of reinforcements to do so.
Ashtyn Davis returned from injured reserve after missing New York’s first three games with a foot injury and will suit up against the Titans, according to Saleh. Sharrod Neasman was also activated from injured reserve and will play in Week 4.
“Ashtyn comes back,” Saleh said. “Obviously, we can’t get him a full game in there because he hasn’t played football in a year, but we do plan on getting him part of the rotation, along with Jarrod Wilson and Neasman. They’re both back. We’ll have a good little rotation in there and play the hot hand, but they’ve all got to be ready to play.”
Wilson has been splitting time with Adrian Colbert at free safety after Lamarcus Joyner suffered a season-ending tricep injury in Week 1. The 27-year-old will now likely see some snaps at strong safety as well with Maye sidelined.
Whoever the Jets line up at safety on Sunday won’t have to worry about guarding A.J. Brown or Julio Jones, as both have been ruled out with injuries. Replacing a player of Maye’s caliber won’t be easy, but New York can take a deep breath knowing Brown or Jones won’t be trying to take the top off its defense for four quarters.
