The NY Jets are currently locked in a tight battle with the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday night football in what is, for all intents and purposes, a must-win game. Now they may have their best offensive lineman behind them.

Starting right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker left the game midway through the second quarter with what the Jets are calling an ankle injury. It is unclear exactly when Vera-Tucker suffered the injury, but he was replaced by backup guard Xavier Newman late in the first half.

Vera-Tucker was seen walking to the locker room with trainers on her own halfway through the second quarter. The Jets have listed him as questionable to return with an ankle injury and have provided no other updates at this time.

Given Vera-Tucker’s injury history, especially to his lower leg, this is obviously cause for concern. The Jets could be without a significant portion of their offensive line.

Vera-Tucker started all six games for the Jets at right guard this season, but has only started 12 games over the past two years due to multiple season-ending injuries.

A torn tricep muscle sidelined Vera-Tucker for the remainder of the 2022 season just seven games into the year, and a torn Achilles ended his 2023 season prematurely after just five games.

It’s that Achilles tendon injury that has some Jets fans concerned, especially since Achilles tendon injuries can sometimes be listed as “ankle injuries” when first diagnosed.

The Jets cannot afford to lose Vera-Tucker for an extended period of time. Wes Schweitzer is still on injured reserve and players like Xavier Newman and Jake Hanson aren’t particularly attractive starting options.

Newman has since left the game with an apparent serious head/neck injury and was carted off the field. Hanson has stepped in at right guard with both Vera-Tucker and Newman sidelined.

The Jets hope to get a positive update on Vera-Tucker’s status in the second half. This article will be updated with more details as they become available.

*UPDATE: Vera-Tucker has been downgraded to questionable to return.