NEW YORK — Jets coach Robert Saleh stunned many on Wednesday when he announced tackle Max Mitchell was being placed on the non-football injury list.
Two days later, he confirmed why Mitchell would miss the rest of the season.
A report by ESPN was released Thursday that Mitchell had blood clots in his right calf and lung. John Mitchell, Max’s father, said in the report that his son has a hereditary condition called Factor V Leiden but he is expected to make a full recovery.
Saleh said the team found out about Mitchell’s blood clots after the 27-22 loss to the Vikings last Sunday.
“It is very unfortunate,” Saleh said. “Thankfully, he has a chance to get healthy and get ready for next year.”
On Wednesday, Saleh declined to get in specifics about Mitchell being put on the non-football IL. After being selected in the fourth round of April’s draft, Mitchell started five games for the Jets this year at right tackle.
He was supposed to be used as a backup, but following the injuries to Mekhi Becton, Duane Brown and later George Fant, Mitchell became a starter as a rookie.
Mitchell missed four games after he injured his knee against the Steelers in early October and was placed on injured reserve. He returned Nov. 27 against the Bears as he came off the bench in relief of Cedric Ogbuehi, who injured his groin.
Mitchell left last Sunday’s game against the Vikings and was replaced by Fant after struggling in the first half.
“A doctor would have a lot more knowledge on that in terms of life-threatening and all of that,” Saleh said about Mitchell’s status. “It is shocking because you’re not expecting that, you’re expecting something completely different.
“Just thankfully for him, he has a chance and we will get him back soon.”
