The New York Jets may be without several key players when they face the Miami Dolphins this weekend.
At his Wednesday press conference, interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich revealed that offensive tackle Morgan Moses, offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, running back Breece Hall, and cornerback Sauce Gardner would not practice. He mentioned that the team would continue to evaluate them throughout the week and would determine their availability closer to the game. Ulbrich also noted that the practice windows for wide receiver Allen Lazard and offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer would open this week.
Ulbrich provided further details on Gardner’s situation, explaining that the team is still assessing the severity of his hamstring strain. He emphasized that playing with a hamstring injury is risky, particularly against an opponent like the Dolphins. “If he’s feeling good and ready to go, we’ll let him play,” Ulbrich said. “But if not, we don’t want him playing at less than full speed in this game.”
Regarding Hall and Vera-Tucker, Ulbrich expressed hope that they would be able to play, while he described Moses as a “throwback NFL player” who is willing to push through injuries.
When asked about how the team’s overall record and situation might impact decisions about injuries, Ulbrich stressed that those factors would not heavily influence their approach.
On the topic of Aaron Rodgers, Ulbrich acknowledged that the quarterback’s struggles have stemmed from a combination of factors, including his health. “We have tremendous faith in Aaron,” Ulbrich said. “He hasn’t been fully healthy, but we know what he’s capable of, and we believe we’ll see the best version of him on Sunday.” He also praised Tyrod Taylor, calling him a “great resource” for Rodgers and praising his football IQ as “amazing.”
Ulbrich also addressed the team’s penalty issues, stressing the importance of discipline. He said a disciplined player is one who executes their role to the best of their ability every play, including avoiding penalties. He described penalties like illegal shifts and false starts as “unacceptable” and emphasized the need for daily accountability to correct them.
Ultimately, the Jets’ success will come down to their performance on the field. Whether they can turn their words into action will likely determine the outcome of their matchup against the Miami Dolphins this weekend.