Jets’ Offseason Offensive Line Addition were Sidelined for Week 18 With a Scary Issues Affecting them
Wes Schweitzer’s first season with the New York Jets will end on the sidelines. The interior offensive lineman, who has spent two separate stints on Injured Reserve this fall, will not be available to play in the January 7 regular season finale against the New England Patriots. After the versatile veteran returned to practice earlier this week, Jets’ third-year head coach Robert Saleh ruled Schweitzer out for Sunday’s game while addressing reporters on Friday in Florham Park. “Schweitzer won’t be available for the game, but other than that, everything is going to be status quo from an injury standpoint,” said Saleh.
Eligible to return, Schweitzer was officially listed as a limited practice participant on Wednesday and Thursday. Schweitzer signed a free agent deal last March, bringing starting experience and the ability to play any position up front. The 2016 sixth-round draft pick entered 2023 with 60 career starts under his belt while having taken snaps at all five offensive line spots. He started the season as New York’s primary backup guard and the emergency center. One of six different players to start a game at right guard for the 2023 Jets, Schweitzer has logged 167 snaps over six total appearances. Making his New York starting debut in a Week 8 win over the Giants, Schweitzer exited early due to a calf injury and subsequently landed on IR. The 30-year-old interior lineman returned to start against Atlanta on December 3. He played 100 percent of the offensive snaps but went back to IR days later.
The Jets (6-10) have used 11 different starting offensive line combinations through 16 games this season. There could be an overhaul in the trenches this offseason for Gang Green.
The New York Jets’ experiment with Dalvin Cook has expired after only five months in the kitchen.
The Jets are reportedly cutting ties with the four-time Pro Bowl running back ahead of the Week 18 regular season finale. The 28-year-old Cook, who signed a one-year deal in August, will presumably have an opportunity to latch on with a playoff-bound team.
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero initially reported the news citing Cook’s agent as the source. Pelissero’s social media post said the two parties “have mutually agreed to part ways, allowing Cook the opportunity to play for a playoff team.”
Cook was active for the Jets’ Week 17 game at Cleveland but did not play a single snap in the 37-20 primetime loss on December 28.
“Dalvin has been great. I know this has been a hard season for him. It’s been a hard season for all of us. I appreciate the heck out of his professionalism and the way he goes about his business and who he is around the building,” said Jets’ head coach Robert Saleh on December 29.
