Jets rookie running back David Bailey is doubtful to play against the Raiders on Sunday with a groin injury, which will likely leave New York’s defense — called up this week by Las Vegas running back Ashton Jeanty — without their sack leader.
Coach Aaron Glenn said Bailey will not practice Friday, the third straight day he will sit out, and will likely be a game-time decision. He was not on the field during the warm-up period at the start of practice that reporters are allowed to watch.
Bailey has been a bright spot for the Jets, who will try to stop a two-game skid when they face the Raiders, who have dropped four in a row. Choice no. 2 overall in April joined Pro Football Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher as the only players since 2000 to have at least 5 1/2 sacks and 35 tackles in their first seven NFL games.
It’s a big blow for a defense that will also be without two other starters, with defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat (knee) and wide receiver Joseph Ossai (ankle) also ruled out for Glenn.
The Jets could be without pressure from David Bailey on Sunday against the Raiders. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The coach followed his players by brushing off comments from Jeanty, who was critical of New York’s defense on Wednesday, saying there are “some guys out there that don’t really want to tackle.”
“Well, we have to play on Sunday,” Glenn said. “So that’s the reaction.”
Jeanty, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry in his second season for 31st-ranked Las Vegas in rushing, said he thought the Raiders could get their rushing offense in gear this weekend.
Linebacker Demario Davis said it’s just “bulletin board material” and he’s focused on what happens on the field. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick echoed those comments, saying he doesn’t get any extra motivation from them.
“Listen, this is the NFL and I understand that everybody is motivated by certain things,” Glenn said. “But I mean, your real motivation is every week you get a chance to play. I think that’s about it. But words are always spoken between players and that’s exactly what it is. So our guys will be ready to play.”
With Bailey seemingly out, preseason standout Nate Lynn will likely see more snaps in New York’s passing rotation, along with Kingsley Enagbare and Will McDonald.
“He’s going to have to play more and he’s going to play well, he’s going to play,” Glenn said of Lynn.
Sweat, the Jets’ best defensive lineman, was hurt late in the second quarter last Sunday in New York’s 28-25 loss to Miami. The Jets rank 24th in the league against the run, giving up 127.7 yards per game.
“Losing any key player of that magnitude … is always a big deal for us,” Glenn said. “But the thing is, we’ve got guys behind him who are going to come in and do a good job for us.”
Rookie Darrell Jackson Jr., a fourth-round pick out of Florida State, will likely see increased playing time in Sweat’s absence. Veteran Jack Heflin could also see more snaps.
Ossai has already missed two games with an ankle problem, and Glenn said he and Sweat will be evaluated on a weekly basis.
Breece Hall (quadriceps) and left guard Dylan Parham (knee) will be listed as questionable for the game and are expected to be limited participants in practice Friday. Hall and Parham have both missed the last four games.
Braelon Allen, who has filled in nicely for Hall as the top option out of the backfield, is full after being limited Wednesday with an ankle ailment.
Backup forward Max Mitchell will miss a second straight game while he remains in the concussion protocol.
Reporting by the Associated Press.
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