The Jets’ offensive line might have taken another hit — as if the team needed to deal with anything else besides solving quarterback woes.
Offensive tackle Billy Turner didn’t participate in Wednesday’s walk-through due to a finger injury, which head coach Robert Saleh called concerning and described earlier as a hand issue that “popped up” after Gang Green’s 27-6 loss to the Chargers on Monday night.
NFL Network reported that Turner broke a bone in his hand, but he hasn’t been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Raiders.
Turner’s injury could force the Jets to tweak their unit in front of struggling quarterback Zach Wilson again.
They used another offensive line combination Monday night, starting rookie Joe Tippmann at center, moving Max Mitchell to right guard and handing Turner, at right tackle, his first start of the year.
“It’s tough,” Wilson said about the line changes, “but I’m excited for the guys. What an awesome opportunity. How cool was that for Max to get bounced around back and forth? It sucks, but that’s going to make him a better player.”
Saleh said left tackle Duane Brown — estimated as a full participant as the Jets held a walk-through — is “closer” to returning, but he cautioned they’ll monitor how the week progresses.
Rodger Saffold, the Pro Bowler signed to their practice squad last week, also isn’t “in football shape yet” and likely won’t be available Sunday.
The Jets also have Chris Glaser and Dennis Kelly on their 53-man roster.
Turner, 32, allowed Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa to force a Wilson fumble in the first quarter with the Jets driving. He has allowed three sacks in 124 offensive snaps this season, according to Pro Football Focus.
If Turner misses Sunday’s game, Mitchell could slide back to right tackle, where he started two games after Alijah Vera-Tucker’s season-ending Achilles tear.
Xavier Newman, a guard on the practice squad, might be an option at right guard.
The Jets could’ve used Tippmann at right guard — where he played earlier this season — but he shifted to center Sunday with Connor McGovern and Wes Schweitzer, their top two centers, on injured reserve.
“Those dudes are fighting,” Wilson said about his offensive line. “They’re doing everything they can to give it everything they have.”
