Connor McGovern injury update is very promising for the NY Jets
By Justin Fried
The NY Jets' offensive line has been decimated by injuries this season, and the team's Week 8 win over the New York Giants saw two more starters go down with injuries.
Center Connor McGovern (knee) and right guard/backup center Wes Schweitzer (calf) exited Sunday's game with injuries — both of which were feared to be significant.
McGovern was spotted in a cast after the game, with reports suggesting that he could miss a significant amount of time. There was even some concern that it could be season-ending. However, that might not be the case.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that McGovern suffered a dislocated knee cap and is considered "week-to-week" moving forward. Rapoport implied that there is still a chance that McGovern could need surgery, but as of right now, the Jets are taking it on a week-to-week basis.
All things considered, that has to be considered good news for the Jets' starting center.
What should the NY Jets do after the Connor McGovern injury?
Former undrafted rookie and practice squad member Xavier Newman was forced to play center following injuries to McGovern and Schweitzer. Newman had played just one game of center in his entire college career and was primarily a tackle and guard in high school.
Meanwhile, fourth-string offensive tackle Billy Turner was inserted into the game at right guard after Schweitzer went down. The Jets barely have enough healthy bodies to complete an offensive line moving forward.
Unless Joe Tippmann is able to return next week, the Jets don't have a healthy center on their roster. They could stick with Newman, who did an admirable job given the circumstances. Fellow practice squad member Jason Poe also has experience playing center.
The Jets could also search for external options via the free-agent or trade markets. Players like Ezra Cleveland, Daniel Brunskill, Ben Cleveland, and Brian Allen would be ideal trade targets.
Either way, the Jets' offensive line is depleted and hurting entering their Week 9 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. McGovern will miss time and could be placed on the injured reserve, but the good news is that it sounds like he'll be back this season.