NY Jets 'concerned' Alijah Vera-Tucker could have Achilles injury

The NY Jets are riding an emotional high following their thrilling 31-21 win over the Denver Broncos, but there is serious concern about the status of star offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker.

Vera-Tucker exited mid-game with what the Jets called a calf injury, and he was immediately ruled out. Head coach Robert Saleh was asked after the game about Vera-Tucker's status, and he did not sound very encouraged.

Saleh told reporters that there is "concern" Vera-Tucker may have suffered a serious injury. When asked if it was an Achilles injury, Saleh said that the Jets needed to wait for an MRI to be sure.

That's essentially what Saleh told reporters following Aaron Rodgers' torn Achilles in Week 1. Achilles injuries are generally pretty quick to diagnose, so it's very notable that Saleh didn't rule that out as a possibility. Notable...but not promising.

The Alijah Vera-Tucker injury could be bad news for the NY Jets

A first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Vera-Tucker has developed into the Jets' best offensive lineman over the last three seasons. He's played four different positions, most recently sliding over to right tackle after an injury to Duane Brown forced the Jets to reshuffle their line.

His value to the Jets is impossible to overstate. Any long-term injury would not only be devastating to his career (he missed most of last season with a triceps injury), but it would be a massive blow to a Jets' offensive line that is already dealing with injuries.

Former fourth-round pick Max Mitchell was thrust into action after Vera-Tucker exited the game, and it's likely the Jets would stick with him if the latter is forced to miss significant time.

Mitchell may have held his own this week, but it's almost impossible to replace what Vera-Tucker brings to this team. His versatility alone makes him irreplaceable.

The Jets will hold their breath and hope for the best as they await the results of Vera-Tucker's MRI, but there is serious concern that his season could be over.