Breaking: Jets Face Defensive Woes: Pro Bowl DT Highly Questionable, Starter Already Ruled Out
The New York Jets‘ defense won’t be at full strength when it entertains the Los Angeles Rams on December 22 at MetLife Stadium.
While starting cornerback DJ Reed and linebacker Quincy Williams were upgraded to full participation on Friday, and do not carry injury designations heading into the game, starting slot corner Michael Carter II was ruled out for Sunday. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is officially questionable to play.
“Michael Carter II will be ruled out, probably, most likely, at this point,” said interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich on Friday.
On Wednesday, Ulbrich noted that Carter’s back “continues to be an issue.” It caused the starter to miss back-to-back games in October after playing only one series against the Minnesota Vikings in London.
Like Carter, Williams was a non-participant at practice all week. Conversely, however, the Jets are holding out hope the defense tackle can give it a go against the Rams’ potent offense.
“We’re going to push it with Quinnen. We think he’s got a chance,” said Ulbrich. “If there’s a guy that can play without practicing it’s him.”
Williams, who turns 27 years old on gameday eve, has been available every week thus far this season. Over 14 starts, the defensive centerpiece has 35 tackles, 6.0 sacks and 17 quarterback hits.
