NFL training camp starts towards the end of July, which means players around the league are getting their last bits of offseason work in before the real work of trying to make the roster begins.
For certain players, this season is what some may call “make or break,” meaning they need to put together a productive year or they could be looking for employment elsewhere at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
We’ll highlight those players for the Jets, beginning with guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.
2023 Stats
– Five games (all starts)
– Two sacks allowed
– One penalty
Why Make or Break?
The Jets opted to exercise Vera-Tucker’s fifth-year option, so he should be under contract for 2025 no matter what. However, a good season in 2024 could propel him to a big-money contract extension, which could be among the biggest ever given to an offensive lineman.
Vera-Tucker’s game is widely respected in league circles, but he’ll need to prove he can be relied upon to stay on the field after suffering season-ending injuries in each of the last two seasons.
Head coach Robert Saleh has said that Vera-Tucker will remain at right guard all season long, rather than moving around to fill in for injured teammates as he has in recent years. While it’s not certain that having to do this had anything to do with his injuries, it may have impacted his effectiveness, slowed his progress and prevented him from developing chemistry with his teammates.
What will break it?
This year, Vera-Tucker cannot afford to get hurt again, otherwise, the Jets might have to start planning for a future without him. The hope is that he’ll be healthy in time for training camp, but the Jets will no doubt be cautious.
New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) blocks at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter. / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
One positive factor is that at least the two injuries (an Achilles tear and a biceps tear) are not linked. In addition, Vera-Tucker…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/jets-2024-break-alijah-vera-144526898.html
Author : SNY
Publish date : 2024-07-03 14:45:26
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