Rich ChiminiESPN staff writerI read for 1 minute
The New York Jets suffered a significant blow on defense when Pro Bowl cornerback Chaz Gardner was ruled out Saturday with a concussion.
The Jets beat the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday without their starting corners Gardner and T.J. Faces without Reed. Time back Brand’s Echols (hamstring) is also out, leaving the secondary in shambles as it prepares to face the high-powered receiving tandem of AJ Brown and Devonta Smith.
Bryce Hall and Craig James, who were promoted from the practice squad Saturday, will be the starters. Hall replaced Reed last week and scored the game-clinching touchdown on a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter. Michael Carter II could see some time at slot corner and base packages.
Day Hayes, who was promoted from the practice squad, is the only other corner on the roster.
Gardner, the 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, said teammates called the injury report “sick.” He practices Wednesday and Thursday but not Friday. Coach Robert Saleh told reporters Friday that Gardner is expected to be fine.
“I’m feeling great. That’s the crazy part about it,” Gardner posted Saturday on what X called Twitter.
The injuries are mounting for the Jets, who have already dealt quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Achilles) and Alijah Vera-Tucker (Achilles) to season-ending injuries. Earlier Saturday, Pro Bowl special teamer Justin Hardy was placed on injured reserve after undergoing hamstring surgery on Friday.
