Jets must think long term on Week 4 status for injured defensive captain

The New York Jets should have just made it official on Friday.

Injured veteran linebacker CJ Mosley is listed as doubtful to play on September 29 against the Denver Broncos , and the chances of him suiting up seem significantly less than that. He was a non-participant everyday at practice even after head coach Robert Saleh revealed a sliver of hope on Friday.

"We'll know by the end of today whether or not he's going to push to see if we can get a workout on Sunday. Like the injury report says, he's doubtful but he's trying to get that thing ready to roll," said Saleh.

One can legitimately argue that it would be irresponsible to deploy Mosley in Week 4. The 32-year-old defensive captain left the Jets' Week 2 road win over the Tennessee Titans after banging his toe during first play from scrimmage of the second quarter. He never returned and did not practice on the short week leading up to the Thursday Night Football home opener against the New England Patriots .

The good news is that Mosley's injury is not a long-term issue and the Jets can't allow it to become one. Instead of potentially trotting him out onto the MetLife Stadium turf prematurely, New York can eliminate all risk by sitting Mosley for another game and ensuring his availability in future weeks. The Jets head to London to face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5 before returning home to host the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football in Week 6.

Jamien Sherwood, a 2021 fifth-round draft pick, has proven to be a capable replacement for the sidelined Mosley.

Starting right tackle Morgan Moses is the only Jets' player, on the active roster, that has been officially ruled out for Sunday's home game against Sean Payton and the Broncos.

Jets' Week 4 Injury Report

FRIDAY
OL Morgan Moses (knee) - DNP
[Game: OUT]

LB CJ Mosley (toe) - DNP
[Game: DOUBTFUL]

OL Tyron Smith (NIR / vet rest) - FP
[Game:  ]

THURSDAY
OL Morgan Moses (knee) - DNP

LB CJ Mosley (toe) - DNP

OL Tyron Smith (NIR / vet rest) - LP

WEDNESDAY
OL Morgan Moses (knee) - DNP

LB CJ Mosley (toe) - DNP

OL Tyron Smith (NIR / vet rest) - LP

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