The New York Jets were dealt a huge blow just days before their opener.
According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, starting right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker has sustained a season-ending injury.
“Jets believe G Alijah Vera-Tucker will miss the entire 2025 season with a triceps injury that requires surgery. Vera-Tucker was just voted a captain and was poised for a big year protecting Justin Fields. A brutal blow for New York,” Schultz wrote on X.
Sources: #Jets believe G Alijah Vera-Tucker will miss the entire 2025 season with a triceps injury that requires surgery.
Vera-Tucker was just voted a captain and was poised for a big year protecting Justin Fields. A brutal blow for New York. pic.twitter.com/VXcUgSzm6A
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 3, 2025
The first-round pick from the 2021 NFL Draft has struggled with injuries throughout his four seasons.
He sustained a season-ending triceps injury in 2022, but reports say this injury is to the other arm.
Vera-Tucker is arguably the Jets’ best offensive lineman and was expected to start next to rookie tackle Armand Membou.
In addition, the 26-year-old is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
He’s set to make $15.3 million on his fifth-year option, but this doesn’t look good as he heads toward becoming a free agent.
There were already doubts about his durability after also missing 12 games in 2023 because of an Achilles injury.
In his absence, the Jets could move center Joe Tippmann to right guard, with former Green Bay Packers center Josh Myers taking over at the position.
The Jets will rely heavily on the running game this season, so this could be a devastating development.
They have little time to recover before facing Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium.
