While Jets fans were rightfully celebrating their team’s week 1 win over the Titans, the win did come with a cost. The Jets lost a pair of key pieces to injury. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and wide receiver Omar Cooper to injury early on. Now we’ve got updates on their status.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz says Fitzpatrick will miss 2-3 weeks with a groin injury. Cooper will be on the shelf for up to four weeks. Cooper’s ankle injury seemed to occur early in the game. He had just one target in the game. Fans buzzed after his electric run after catch.
While losing two key players isn’t ideal, the Jets dodged a bullet. It will be much easier to move forward for a few games than it would have been had the injuries been long-term.
In Fitzpatrick’s absence, expect to see plenty of Dane Belton. The free agent safety played well against the Titans. With Cooper out, things could get interesting. The team was without fellow receiver Tim Patrick in week 1 while Arian Smith continued to prove he can not be counted on. On much maligned receiver dropped his only target of the day against the Titans.
the Jets should explore the possibility of elevating undrafted rookie free agent Malik McClain, who checks in at 6′ 4” and showed plenty of ability on special teams this preseason. If Patrick is okay to return and the Jets aren’t in need of a big man, Jamaal Pritchett could be an option to add to the roster.
If the Jets don’t feel either one is ready to contribute just yet, expect them to work out some receivers in the coming days.
