NY Jets: C.J. Mosley could miss Week 7 with hamstring injury

The NY Jets have certainly been pleased with the play of linebacker C.J. Mosley in 2021. The former Pro Bowler has returned after nearly two years away from the game and is playing at a higher level than most probably expected.

Unfortunately, Mosley might be forced to miss this week's game after suffering a hamstring injury in the Jets' Week 5 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

Mosley was held out of practice on Wednesday and the Jets sounded a little concerned when speaking about his injury. However, Mosley himself did reveal that he was optimistic that he could play this week.

"Right now, we’re looking optimistic for this weekend," Mosley said when asked how likely it is that he might play against the New England Patriots.

The Jets, who are struggling for linebacker depth at the moment, could ill-afford to lose Mosley for any period of time.

Losing C.J. Mosley would be a major loss for the NY Jets defense

You could argue that Mosley is one of the 3-5 most important players on the roster right now, and you likely wouldn't get much pushback.

Mosley is playing at a very high level and has served as an invaluable leader on and off the field. Just ask the coaching staff — they'll tell you just how important he is to the team.

Part of that is also due to the lack of depth the Jets have at the position. Rookie sixth-round pick Hamsah Nasirildeen is on the injured reserve. Jarrad Davis is still working his way back from the IR and is not expected to play this week.

That leaves the Jets with just fifth-round rookie Jamien Sherwood, Quincy Williams, Blake Cashman, and Del'Shawn Phillips as available options at the position. That's hardly an inspiring bunch.

Mosley's vocal defensive leadership is irreplaceable, but the Jets do want to be careful about rushing him back from an injury like this too quickly. They don't want a repeat of the 2019 season.

The Jets will hope to see C.J. Mosley take the field this Sunday, but it's far from a lock that he does.