NY Jets special teams suffers critical blow with captain Justin Hardee injury

The Jets' captains are dropping like flies.

Mike Luciano

New England Patriots v New York Jets / Jim McIsaac/GettyImages

The 2023 season has not been kind to the NY Jets or their designated captains. Not only was Aaron Rodgers lost for the season after just four plays, but the injury bug flying around Florham Park has not taken a bite out of special teams ace Justin Hardee as well.

The Jets are getting ready for a game against Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles, who possess one of the best 1-2 punches at the wide receiver position in the league in AJ Brown and Devonta Smith, without stud No. 2 cornerback DJ Reed and quality backup Brandin Echols.

Part of the upset formula for the Jets this week is winning the special teams battle, in which Hardee was expected to play a starring role. The latest update on Hardee's health is exactly the opposite of what Robert Saleh and the Jets wanted to hear about their veteran leader.

Hardee's hamstring injury could sideline him between four and six weeks, which could knock him out of commission until December. While he may not be the flashiest player, the Jets clearly lean on him and trust him to be the on-field coach for their kick coverage teams.

Jets’ Pro-Bowl special teamer Justin Hardee suffered a hamstring injury that required surgery Friday and now is expected to sideline him 4-to-6 weeks, per sources. Hardee hurt it Sunday, aggravated it at practice, then underwent surgery and is expected to be placed on IR today. pic.twitter.com/6KBbFXwL1i
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 14, 2023

NY Jets' Justin Hardee out 4-6 weeks with hamstring injury

After starting his career with the New Orleans Saints, Hardee made his way over to New York in Robert Saleh's debut season and eventually emerged as one of the best at his position as a gunner and kick coverer. His Pro Bowl nod in 2022 speaks to the effect he had on this team.

With Hardee nominally listed as a cornerback when he's not running down returners, the Jets might be without half of their normal cornerback rotation against Philadelphia. While Bryce Hall played well against the Broncos, will he be as effective against Smith, brown, and Philly?

A tough year for two of the Jets’ three captains — Justin Hardee (hamstring surgery) and Aaron Rodgers (Achilles surgery). #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) October 14, 2023

It's easy to forget this Jets team is still quite young and in need of veteran mentorship. Losing Hardee, especially right before a game in which the Jets need all hands on deck to pull off a huge upset, is a brutal blow. The Jets' special teams have been solid, but can they stay hot without Hardee?

Mike Luciano

Mike Luciano is an NFL staff writer for FanSided with a lifetime of expertise in all 32 teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders. He began his journey at Minute Media in 2020 and has since edited and written thousands of articles covering everything from the NFL Draft to the Super Bowl and free agency. Mike's work has been featured on Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated, FanSided.com, and other outlets. Hot takes can be found on Twitter @ByMikeLuciano.