Jets get rare bit of good news with latest Garrett Wilson update

Few players are more vital to the New York Jets than Garrett Wilson. It’s difficult to even imagine what this offense might look like without its lone true superstar receiver in the lineup. Unfortunately for the Jets, we're about to find out.

Wilson suffered a knee injury in the Jets' Week 6 loss to the Denver Broncos, and while initial reporting suggested that the former Ohio State standout avoided anything serious, fans were understandably concerned about the status of their star wideout.

The Jets offered a glimmer of optimism on Wednesday when head coach Aaron Glenn opted against ruling Wilson out for this Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.

Wilson was ultimately held out of practice all week, but the most encouraging sign came on the final injury report. The Jets are listing Wilson as doubtful for Sunday's game, insisting there's at least the slimmest of possibilities he's able to suit up in Week 7.

Now, it's still highly unlikely that he's able to play against Carolina, but the fact that the Jets listed him as doubtful strongly suggests Wilson's absence will be a short one. If all goes well, he could be back as soon as next week.

Jets' Week 7 injury report provides optimism for Garrett Wilson injury

The Jets can ill afford to be without Wilson for any extended stretch. Even with him on the field, New York’s offense has been one of the worst in the NFL this season, particularly through the air.

The team ranks 29th in both overall EPA and EPA per dropback, a reflection of just how stagnant the passing game has been. Part of that has been due to the performance of Justin Fields, but the team's overall lack of competent targets certainly hasn't helped.

While the rushing attack has been a relative bright spot — ranking in the top 10 in the NFL in rushing success rate — it hasn’t been enough to offset the struggles of Fields and the passing game.

Losing Wilson for any significant period of time would further cripple an already struggling offense and make it even harder for the Jets to climb out of their early 0-6 hole.

Without Wilson, the Jets’ de facto WR1 will be veteran Josh Reynolds, whose season receiving stats are identical to those of backup tight end Jeremy Ruckert — just eight catches for 72 yards.

Outside of Wilson, the entire Jets wide receiver room has totaled just 20 catches for 183 yards through six games. Take Reynolds out of the equation, and the rest of the healthy receivers have managed only 12 catches for 101 yards.

Wilson alone has hauled in 36 catches for 395 yards and four touchdowns in six games this season, ranking fourth among all AFC receivers. There is no replacing Wilson's production, especially with the rag-tag group of wideouts they have on their depth chart.

The good news is that the Jets should have Wilson back on the field relatively soon. The team might opt to rest him for one more game, especially with a bye coming in Week 9, but the way they managed his injury this week suggests he’s recovering faster than anticipated.

Don't be surprised if Wilson is back on the field as soon as next week.