Garrett Wilson injury could be a blessing in disguise for the Jets

The New York Jets got some bad news this week, but it could have been much worse. ESPN's Rich Cimini is reporting that wide receiver Garrett Wilson is expected to miss three to four weeks with a knee sprain, the same injury that sidelined him for two games already this season.

Wilson reinjured his knee in Sunday’s 27-20 win over the Cleveland Browns, a game that somehow saw the Jets win despite posting just 169 total yards and 42 net passing yards.

Fortunately for general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn, they might’ve already prepared for this possibility. The Jets’ trade deadline additions of Adonai Mitchell and John Metchie suddenly look like timely insurance moves.

With Josh Reynolds on IR, Allen Lazard a healthy scratch, and limited production from the rest of the group, those acquisitions could be crucial to keeping the offense afloat while Wilson rehabs.

Garrett Wilson injury is a massive opportunity for young Jets WRs

Wilson’s latest injury comes at an unfortunate time — right as the Jets are beginning to show signs of life under Aaron Glenn. The team has now won two straight games, including their first post-bye victory in a decade, despite getting little production from their top playmaker.

Wilson was held without a catch in Week 10, and the Jets still found a way to win. Justin Fields finished with just 54 passing yards, 42 of which came on a Breece Hall screen pass.

That’s where those trade-deadline gambles come in. Mitchell, acquired in the Sauce Gardner deal, was a healthy scratch against Cleveland as he continues to learn the playbook, while Metchie, traded from Philadelphia, logged eight offensive snaps and caught one pass for three yards.

Both should see expanded roles moving forward, joining Tyler Johnson, rookie Arian Smith, and return man Isaiah Williams, who’s quietly emerged as a capable offensive contributor.

The Jets have lacked stability at wide receiver all season, but Mougey’s front office saw the warning signs early. By investing in developmental talent with upside, they’ve at least given Tanner Engstrand's offense options as it navigates life without its star.

The Jets still need Garrett Wilson to reach their ceiling, but they’ve proven they can survive without him, winning without him in Week 8 and, essentially, again in Week 10.

These games will present a massive opportunity to both Mitchell and Metchie, who are hoping to earn roles with the team beyond this season. Mitchell is still under contract for the next two years, while Metchie will be a restricted free agent in the offseason.

In a strange way, Wilson’s absence could actually help the Jets in the long run. This season was never about making a playoff push. Instead, it’s about evaluation. With Wilson sidelined, players like Mitchell, Metchie, and Smith will have a chance to see real reps and build chemistry in live-game situations.

The Jets already know what they have in Wilson. He's a bona fide superstar and a legitimate No. 1 receiver. What they don’t know is who can complement him when they’re ready to compete again. These next few weeks could go a long way toward answering that.

The Jets' offense is undoubtedly worse without Wilson, but recent weeks have shown they can still find ways to win without him. Now, if only their quarterback could complete a few more passes.