Jets head to Carolina for joint practice with two key contributors sidelined

The New York Jets have been relatively healthy throughout training camp, but they will be without two key pieces when they visit the Carolina Panthers for Thursday's joint practice.

Neither starting slot cornerback Michael Carter II nor second-string tight end Jeremy Ruckert practiced on Tuesday in Florham Park due to injury. Jets' fourth-year head coach Robert Saleh provided updates on both players this week. Meanwhile, the team held a walk-through session on Wednesday before hitting the road.

On Monday, Saleh mentioned that Ruckert was "dealing with a few things, so he'll be out for another couple days," but did not offer any specifics . One day later, the head coach revealed that the third-year tight end is in concussion protocol.

Ruckert, a 2022 third-round draft pick, did not dress for this past Saturday's preseason opener against the Washington Commanders .

Meanwhile, Carter II has been out since colliding with Wes Schweitzer in a July 31 practice. One day later, Saleh indicated that the reliable slot cornerback suffered an ankle injury.

"We’re hoping not this week, but next week," said Saleh on Monday.

Carter, a 2021 fifth-round draft pick, is in his contract year and projects as a highly-coveted free agent next March. He was ranked as a Top 15 NFL cornerback by Pro Football Focus .

The Jets will face the Panthers in a preseason contest on August 17 at 7 p.m. ET.

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