Before their season opener vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New York Jets suffered a significant blow. Praised all offseason for a young and promising offensive line, New York will now have to change plans. An injury so significant, it not only puts the season opener vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers in jeopardy, but the entire season as well. As reported earlier today, a significant triceps injury could cost a valuable offensive lineman his season. What’s worse is that he was set to become a free agent this year. Unfortunately, injuries continue to control the narrative for this player. Find out more about Alijah Vera-Tucker’s potentially season-ending injury. How will the New York Jets respond?
Sources: Jets fear that guard Alijah Vera-Tucker suffered a season-ending torn tricep. He is getting a second opinion to confirm the injury and see if surgery is necessary. pic.twitter.com/0gaCjwMOdT
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 3, 2025
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Report: Jets Star Right Guard Out for the Season
Entering the 2025 offseason, Jets fans were eager to start a new chapter with head coach Aaron Glenn. The former Jets cornerback-turned-head coach has looked forward to his return to the organization. In addition, fans were excited to see him and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand bring the impressive Detroit Lions running game with them. Both men witnessed the impact that running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery had on the offense. Especially with the amount of talent within the Jets offensive line. Unfortunately, the injury to right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker is a big blow to those plans.
Right Guard Alijah Vera-Tucker suffers a possible Season-Ending Triceps Injury
As reported earlier today, around the league, New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker suffered a triceps injury that will jeopardize his season. This latest injury has been an unfortunate caveat of the promising right guard. Since entering the league as the 14th overall pick in 2021, Alijah Vera-Tucker has emerged as one of the best run-blocking guards in the league. Pro Football Focus graded AVT as the 17th-best run-blocking guard in the NF in 2024. Due to his athleticism, Vera-Tucker displayed positional versatility, playing both guard positions and snaps at left tackle in 2022.
Alijah Vera-Tucker has allowed a 4.3% pressure rate this season (per NGS).
2nd-best among right guards.
Run blocking was always there. Now just as much of a stud in pass pro. Two-way beast. #Jets pic.twitter.com/fqk9zOFL3A
— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) January 1, 2025
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However, as promising of a talent Alijah Vera-Tucker is, injuries have controlled the narrative of his career. Beginning in 2022, in a Week 5 game vs. the Broncos, Alijah Vera-Tucker suffered a torn triceps injury that cost him his season. In addition, Breece Hall left the same game in Denver with a torn ACL. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the last of it. Nearly a calendar year later, and once again facing the Denver Broncos in October, Vera-Tucker suffered a torn Achilles.
When he’s healthy, Vera-Tucker has shown he can be a difference maker in the offensive line. But with three season-ending injuries before turning 27, it’s difficult to make a significant investment long term. This, along with Vera-Tucker in a contract year, is a devastating blow to his long-term prospects this offseason. What’s worse is that running back Breece Hall and left guard John Simpson will be free agents this offseason as well.
Who will replace AVT in the Offensive Line?
While it’s unfortunate that Alijah Vera-Tucker will miss the season, the Jets still have a 17-game schedule to get through this year. As a result of the injury, the offensive line will have to adapt. One possible solution would be moving center Joe Tippmann to right guard and inserting Josh Myers at center. Fortunately, Tippmann has experience playing right guard after starting at the position during his rookie season.
In addition, Josh Myers has over four years of starting experience at center during his time with the Green Bay Packers. In addition, the Jets will likely rotate backup guard Xavier Newman routinely to help provide more depth. Additionally, this also allows New York to give Marquis Hayes an opportunity. The veteran guard displayed great pass protection traits throughout the preseason. As well, his 6’5,318 lbs frame has great power shown in his run blocking.
The loss of Alijah Vera-Tucker will be a significant blow to what Aaron Glenn wanted this offense to look like. It’s also going to be problematic in the offseason during contract negotiations. While it’s an awful situation, it’s one New York will need to fix promptly with the season starting on Sunday.
Main Photo: [John Jones] – Imagn Images
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