The New York Jets have been hit with another devastating blow to their roster as they continue to deal with mounting injuries. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich announced that starting safety Jalen Mills suffered a broken collarbone during Week 15 and will be out for the remainder of the season.
“He will go to IR [injured reserve] unfortunately,” Ulbrich said. “It was a break, a slight fracture. It’s an unfortunate loss, especially as thin as we are in the safety room.”
Mills Became a Standout on Defense for the Jets
The veteran defensive back joined the Jets’ practice squad in late September and was promoted to the active roster just a month later. Over the course of the season, Mills appeared in nine games and started eight of them, recording 44 tackles, an interception, and six pass deflections.
“It is so rare, as we all know, for a guy to come in midseason and have that sort of impact,” Ulbrich remarked. “You see guys come in and contribute all the time, but for him to become the leader that he did, especially among the backend, was pretty cool to see. I know he has been around a lot and he is experienced, but he was a valuable addition and one that we will miss for sure.”
According to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, Mills broke his collarbone while securing an interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15.
Mills, set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, now faces an uncertain football future. While he performed well during his time with the Jets, a new regime is expected to take over in 2025, likely leading to significant roster changes.
Gang Green Announces a Flurry of Roster Moves Ahead of Los Angeles Rams Game
Amid the injury crisis, the Jets received some positive news with the return of veteran defensive tackle Leki Fotu to practice. Fotu has only played in two games this season due to various injuries.
On Wednesday, December 18, the Jets made several additions to their practice squad. In a press release, the team announced the signings of running back Zach Evans, defensive lineman Bradlee Anae, and tight end Neal Johnson.
Evans was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft (No. 215 overall).
Anae previously had stints with the Jets in 2022 and 2023.
Johnson, an undrafted free agent in 2024, briefly joined the team during training camp in August.
Jets Release Week’s First Injury Report
The Jets are dealing with several significant injuries heading into their Week 16 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Three starters—Michael Carter II (back), Quinnen Williams (hamstring), and Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle)—did not participate in practice.
Additionally, five players were listed as limited participants:
Braelon Allen (back)
Isaiah Davis (back)
Brandin Echols (shoulder)
Morgan Moses (knee)
Quincy Williams (knee)
The one encouraging update came from veteran cornerback D.J. Reed, who practiced in full despite a groin injury.
Ulbrich noted that Wednesday’s session was a walkthrough, offering some respite for the injury-plagued team as they prepare for the Rams.
