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Rich Cimini, ESPN writer
The New York Jets’ disappointing season continues to go in the wrong direction.
Running back Breece Hall has been ruled out and cornerback Sauce Gardner is not expected to play Sunday, while five-time Pro Bowl linebacker CJ Mosley is out for the season after being placed on injured reserve on Friday. For Mosley, 32, who has a herniated disc in his neck, this likely signals the end of his career with the Jets.
The Jets (3-9) prepared to face the Miami Dolphins (5-7) at Hard Rock Stadium without Hall (knee) and Gardner (hamstring), two of their best players. Both were listed as doubtful for the match. If the Jets lose, they will be eliminated from contention, extending their playoff drought to 14 seasons, the longest active streak in the NFL.
“Unless something magical happens in the next few days, they’re in doubt,” interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said Friday.
Gardner injured his hamstring last week. In the same game, Hall aggravated a knee injury that occurred two weeks ago. He has hyperextension and a medial collateral ligament issue in his surgically repaired left knee, the same knee that suffered a torn ACL in 2022.
Rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis will be used to replace Hall, along with Kene Nwangwu, who scored on a 99-yard kickoff return last week in his Jets debut. Brandin Echols is expected to start for Gardner against Miami’s speedy receiving corps.
Mosley’s decision wasn’t a surprise, but it was a blow because of what it means to the team. He is a captain and his teammates consider him the heart and soul of the defense.
Ulbrich called it “a difficult decision by an incredible and very proud player and leader.” [he’s] all those things for us. “It was not an easy decision for him, but it is the best decision for him and our organization.”
The injury occurred on October 27 before a road game against the New England Patriots. Mosley said he felt “a burn” on the back of his neck during warmups, causing him to “lock up.” He was left out of the game. When he was told he did not require surgery, Mosley attempted to return even though the Jets’ season was lost.
Mosley said he was progressing well, but suffered a minor setback on Thanksgiving, when he collided with Allen during a short-yardage play in practice. Undaunted, he tried again this week, practicing hard Wednesday in hopes of playing against the Dolphins. There was an apparent setback, as he missed practice Thursday.
The injury clouds his football future.
Mosley is under contract through 2025, but his cap charge is $12.8 million, which includes $4.25 million in guaranteed money. He has played just four games this season and lost his starting spot to Jamien Sherwood during a four-game absence due to a toe injury. With the arrival of a new regime, Mosley is likely a casualty of the salary cap.
To replace him on the roster, the Jets plan to activate wide receiver Allen Lazard from IR.
