The Jets’ worst fears for Marcus Maye were confirmed on Friday.
Robert Saleh said the safety suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in New York’s loss to the Colts. Maye went down without contact late in the Week 9 game.
Pretty classic Achilles tendon tear for #MarcusMaye. Even looked back to see who kicked him. Patients often swear to me that someone did. pic.twitter.com/azbGLwESKM
— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) November 5, 2021
“He is made of grit,” Saleh said of Maye, offering some encouragement with a long recovery ahead. “His ride’s not over. His story’s not over.”
The injury could effectively end Maye’s career with the Jets, however. The 28-year-old is playing on the franchise tag this season after he and the team couldn’t agree on an extension over the offseason. It was unlikely the two sides were going to reach a long-term deal this coming offseason.
Maye is also facing potential league discipline for a DUI arrest in February, making it unclear when he will see the field again, regardless of what team he’s with.
Maye’s 2021 season ended with 46 tackles, four TFL, two pass deflections and one sack in six games. He missed two games with an ankle injury.
Maye was not the only Jet who suffered a significant injury against the Colts. Saleh said Tyler Kroft is going on injured reserve with what the coach nondescriptly called a chest injury, but NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said the tight end has a lacerated lung. He will miss a few weeks.
The good news for the Jets is that QB Mike White “looks good for next week” after injuring his forearm against Indianapolis, though he is day-to-day. QB Zach Wilson, WR Corey Davis and RB Tevin Coleman are all expected to return to practice before the Jets play the Bills in Week 10.
Saleh has said he will take New York’s quarterback situation day by day.
[listicle id=670844]