Jets Lose ‘Pro Bowl’ Level Standout to Season-Ending Injury
The New York Jets continue to battle an onslaught of injuries.
Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich revealed during his media availability that wide receiver and special teams standout Irvin Charles has suffered a torn ACL. He will be placed on injured reserve, officially ending his 2024 season.
“In what has been a very tough, challenging year in so many ways, [he] was an absolute bright spot for this team,” Ulbrich shared. “A guy who has truly emerged … I really believe, had he finished the season playing the way he was, he would have been a shoo-in for the Pro Bowl as a special teams player. He made incredible strides in his contributions to us, and we’re excited about his future. It’s just so unfortunate the knee injury happened as it did. The response from the sideline when he went down showed the love and regard this team has for him. It shook the entire team when he got hurt.”
A Promising Story Ends Prematurely for the Jets in 2024
Charles, 27, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
During his college career, he played wide receiver while also contributing on special teams. At the professional level, the Jets gave him an opportunity to continue both roles. After earning a spot on the 90-man roster, he carved out a niche on the team.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 219 pounds, according to the Jets’ official roster, Charles has appeared in 25 games over the past two seasons. He recorded 14 total tackles, including 11 solo stops.
“Irv Charles wraps up his 2024 season with a stellar 88.6 Pro Football Focus special teams grade, ranking 5th among 215 qualifiers. He has become one of the most valuable special teams players in the NFL. A possible Pro Bowler. A really tough break for one of the Jets’ best developmental stories,” wrote The Jet Press on social media.
Jets special teams coordinator Brant Boyer echoed similar praise, calling Charles one of the best in the league.
“Irv has had a monster year, and if you can find me a better special teamer in this league, I’d like to see it. There are many great players across the NFL, but in terms of a dominating presence on every phase, I’d like to see someone better than him,” Boyer stated.
According to Spotrac, Charles is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason. The next Jets regime will have to determine whether to extend him a tender offer or let him enter unrestricted free agency in 2025.
Other Jets Injury Updates Ahead of Week 15
The Jets are also monitoring injuries to several other key players:
Running back and return specialist Kene Nwangwu is dealing with a hand injury, and his status remains uncertain.
Breece Hall continues to struggle with a lingering knee issue.
The team is optimistic about Alijah Vera-Tucker’s return but hasn’t yet confirmed his availability.
Haason Reddick is sidelined with an illness and will not practice.
Sauce Gardner, who missed the game against the Miami Dolphins due to a hamstring injury, is expected to be ready for the matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
