Tag: NFL Injuries

Jermaine Johnson on IR as Jets Elevate Jalyn Holmes, Call Up McCrary-Ball

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The New York Jets have placed edge rusher Jermaine Johnson on injured reserve after he ruptured his Achilles tendon during the Jets’ 24-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans last Sunday. Johnson, the No. 26 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, was injured late in the third quarter. His absence is a major blow to the team, as the standout player earned a Pro Bowl nod last season with impressive stats, including 7.5 sacks, 55 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, and an interception returned for a touchdown.

As a rookie, Johnson, a product of Florida State, played 14 games and lined up for 312 defensive snaps. He contributed 2.5 sacks during his first season, and his continued development had made him a key part of the Jets’ defensive front.

In response to the injury, the Jets signed defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes from their practice squad to the active roster. Holmes, a 6-foot-5, 283-pound defender, was elevated for Week 1 and Week 2, contributing 4 tackles over 31 snaps. Originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings out of Ohio State in 2018, Holmes spent three seasons with the Vikings before having stints with the Saints and Bears. He joined the Jets last season, appearing in five games and recording five tackles and a quarterback hit. Holmes re-signed with the team in March.

Additionally, the Jets have called up linebacker Marcelino McCrary-Ball from the practice squad for Thursday’s game against the New England Patriots. McCrary-Ball, a 6-foot, 214-pound linebacker, joined the Jets practice squad after training camp in August. He spent the majority of the 2023 season with the Jets after signing with the team in January. McCrary-Ball previously had two training camp stints with the San Francisco 49ers and joined the Jets midway through the 2023 season. He appeared in two games, taking 19 snaps on special teams.

With these roster moves, the Jets hope to fill the void left by Johnson’s injury and strengthen their defensive unit for their upcoming matchups.

Justin Jefferson Injured; Vikings’ Lead in Jeopardy vs. 49ers

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The Minnesota Vikings’ fortunes took a sharp turn when their star wide receiver, Justin Jefferson, left the field with a quad injury during their clash against the San Francisco 49ers. Jefferson’s absence in the late third quarter casts uncertainty over the team’s ability to maintain their 20-7 lead.

Injury Strikes at a Critical Moment

Justin Jefferson injury

Jefferson, a key player in the Vikings’ offense, was helped off the field, leaving his return uncertain. His injury poses a significant challenge for Minnesota, already coping with the absence of wide receiver Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson, who is still recovering from an ACL injury. Jefferson’s sudden exit could further strain the team’s offensive capabilities, a blow made even more painful given his history of missing seven games last season due to a hamstring issue.

Jefferson’s Early Dominance

Before his injury, Jefferson was having a standout performance, amassing 133 receiving yards on four catches, including a stunning 97-yard touchdown—the longest of his career. His efforts not only helped propel the Vikings to an early lead but also added to his growing list of NFL records, underscoring his importance to the team’s offensive game plan.

With Jefferson sidelined, the Vikings face an uphill battle as the 49ers look to mount a comeback. The outcome of the game now hangs in the balance, as Minnesota hopes to hold onto their lead without their biggest playmaker.

Cowboys Face Tight End Dilemma: Ferguson Injury Spurs Tight End Committee Approach

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The Dallas Cowboys kicked off the season with a 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns, but their win came with a setback.

Star tight end Jake Ferguson suffered a knee injury during the game, leading to fears of significant damage. Ferguson himself felt a pop and worried about the worst.

Injury Update

Fortunately, further tests revealed Ferguson has a Grade 1 MCL sprain and a minor bone bruise. He is listed as day-to-day for practice this week and might be available for the upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints. However, considering the Baltimore Ravens are set to visit Arlington in Week 3, resting Ferguson for an additional week might be prudent.

Tight End by Committee

If Ferguson cannot play, the Cowboys will adopt a tight end-by-committee approach. With no single backup capable of replicating Ferguson’s production, multiple players will need to step up.

Luke Schoonmaker

The primary candidate to fill the gap is second-round pick Luke Schoonmaker. Despite an underwhelming rookie season, Schoonmaker is now expected to take on a more significant role. With former teammate Peyton Hendershot now in Kansas City, Schoonmaker must demonstrate he can handle increased responsibilities and contribute effectively.

John Stephens Jr.

John Stephens Jr., another second-year player, also stands to benefit from Ferguson’s absence. However, Stephens is currently dealing with a strained hamstring and missed the game against Cleveland. Known for his unique athleticism and size—standing over 6’5″—Stephens has the potential to be a valuable asset if he can recover quickly.

Hunter Luepke

Unexpectedly, fullback Hunter Luepke could play a role in replacing Ferguson. Luepke has worked as a tight end in practice and has shown promise. His versatility allows him to block, line up as an inline tight end, or even function as a receiver. Despite being the Cowboys’ third-leading receiver against the Browns, his expanded role could help mitigate the impact of Ferguson’s absence.

Brevyn Spann-Ford

Rookie undrafted free agent Brevyn Spann-Ford is another option. Although he did not receive a target in the game against Cleveland, he played more snaps than Schoonmaker. Standing 6’7″, Spann-Ford presents a matchup challenge but needs to refine his receiving skills to approach Ferguson’s level of production.

With Jake Ferguson’s status uncertain, the Cowboys will rely on a combination of tight ends to fill the void. Schoonmaker, Stephens, Luepke, and Spann-Ford will each play a role in maintaining the team’s offensive efficiency.