The return of offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker is arguably one of the most significant pieces of news for the New York Jets so far this training camp.
Vera-Tucker returned on Friday and participated in training camp. Head coach Robert Saleh saying that the fourth-year offensive lineman is on a pitch count in terms of his participation.
In October, Vera-Tucker suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
The former first round pick is capable of being a Pro Bowl guard for the Jets. As a rookie in 2021, Vera-Tucker made the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Getting him back on the field and healthy on Friday is a huge development for the Jets.
“It was good. It would be more of a question for him and how he felt,” Saleh told reporters.
“But he’s an elite player at that position, so it was good to have him out.”
After quarterback Aaron Rodgers, preserving the health of the offensive line for the entirety of the season is paramount for the Jets.
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The offensive line is revamped and talented, but it isn’t deep. An injury to a starter wouldn’t be devastating to the Jets, but it would have a negative impact on keeping Rodgers healthy and getting Breece Hall going in the running game.
“I believe that there is a certain detraining that’s happening with the o-line. They are different than every other position. I don’t want to get too deep on it, but there’s a balance. We’re not trying to revisit the ‘Junction Boys’ but we are also this new performance model with load management,” Saleh said.
“I think sometimes especially with the o-line, I feel like there is a detraining that’s happening, that’s leaving them susceptible to injury, but again, it’s
stuff we’ve been setting. We have a plan in place, I just don’t want to get into too many details.”