The Jets were delivered another blow on Wednesday.
Already snake bitten with injuries, LG Kelechi Osemele was added to the injury report after suffering a shoulder injury Wednesday in a full-pads individual drill. He is undergoing tests to determine if it’s a long-term injury. Osemele is also is dealing with a sore knee.
If Osemele cannot go on Sunday, the Jets will be forced to play either Tom Compton or Alex Lewis at left guard. New York was already planning on making lineup changes on the offensive line; it is not clear if Osemele was in their plans of shuffling around.
Sam Darnold, meanwhile, has not yet been cleared for contact following his continued battle with mononucleosis. He will further undergo tests on Friday to determine if the swelling in his spleen has gone down. Darnold will need to be cleared for contact by Friday to play on Sunday.
“I want to make sure I’m safe out there… and I’m not going to die,” Darnold told reporters following practice on Thursday.
Darnold also said that X-Tech made him a special custom-made padding to guard his spleen. He has been practicing with specific padding designed for him to protect his rib area.
Darnold did receive the majority of first-team reps during practice on Tuesday, but his teammates were not allowed to touch him. Adam Gase said there are no signs of fatigue and he is not concerned about his quarterback’s lack of strength or conditioning over the past three weeks. If Darnold is cleared, it looks like he will play.
“I feel like I’m good enough to play,” he added. “My energy’s great.”
Friday, Darnold will undergo final medical tests, which entails a sonogram and blood work, according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
In other injury news, linebackers C.J. Mosley (groin) and Jordan Jenkins (ankle) were both held out of practice again. The bye week did no favors and the two are trending toward missing Sunday’s game. Quinnen Williams (ankle) was limited in practice, but his workload increased on Thursday. The Jets are expected to have their rookie defensive lineman this weekend if all goes according to plan.
Wide receivers Demaryius Thomas (knee/hamstring) and Josh Bellamy (shoulder) were limited. RB Trenton Cannon (hamstring) and TE Daniel Brown (ankle) were also limited.
