With Eric a maybe & Jalin out, WR corps is thin
THE JETS’ already-hampered receiving corps is getting thinner by the day.
Wideout Eric Decker sat out practice Wednesday because of a shoulder injury he aggravated in the Jets’ 24-3 loss to the Chiefs last weekend. Decker is expected to undergo an MRI this week to determine the severity and nature of the ailment, according to coach Todd Bowles.
Decker missed practice time last week with the same shoulder problem, and it appears the injury worsened after Sunday’s setback. Decker didn’t inform the team of any pain or soreness until Tuesday. Bowles is “not sure yet” if Decker will be ready to play for the Jets’ pivotal home matchup against the Seahawks on Sunday.
“Anybody that doesn’t practice, I’m concerned about,” Bowles said. “So we just have to wait and see.”
Decker’s partner in crime, Brandon Marshall, continues to nurse a knee injury he sustained in Buffalo in Week 2. Marshall, who practiced fully Wednesday, said his leg is feeling “okay” and “a little better” than last week.
On top of that, rookie receiver Jalin Marshall — who’s been lining up as the Jets’ No. 4 wideout while returning kicks and punts — will be sidelined multiple weeks with a torn labrum in his shoulder, Bowles revealed Wednesday.
Altogether, it’s not good news for Jets fans, especially on the heels of arguably the worst offensive performance of the Ryan Fitzpatrick era this past Sunday in Kansas City.
Fitzpatrick tossed six interceptions in the demoralizing defeat. Decker caught just one pass for 31 yards, and Brandon Marshall finished with three receptions for 27 yards.
It was another underwhelming performance for Marshall, who’s struggling through a very slow start to 2016. His 160 receiving yards through three games rank 55th in the league — tied with Eagles running back Darren Sproles — and he’s yet to find the end zone.
Marshall caught a career-high 14 touchdowns last season.
“We have to be more consistent on our end, and it starts with guys like Fitz and myself. I’ve got to play better. I haven’t scored a touchdown this year. I haven’t done a great job of getting open,” Marshall said. “I’ve got to find a way to make more plays and make the tough plays, and I think that things will begin to open up a little bit more.” Fitzpatrick said he hasn’t noticed anything different about how teams are approaching Marshall this season. They double-teamed him last season and have continued to do so. For Marshall, it comes down to rising to the occasion. “That’s part of the game. It’s a sign of respect,” Marshall said of the extra coverage from opposing secondaries. “When they’re not doubling you or paying attention to you, probably your days are over or close to being over. So the good players find a way to get it done no matter what they’re throwing at you.” With Jalin Marshall sidelined and Decker’s availability in doubt, the Jets’ offense will lean on their wide receiver depth. Rookies Robby Anderson and Charone Peake should see more playing time. Second-year man Quincy Enunwa, who is enjoying a breakout season through three games with 17 catches for 183 yards and a touchdown, will also be called upon to maintain his solid play. “We’ve got a lot of talent in that room,” Fitzpatrick said of the receivers. “It’ll be interesting to see how everything goes and what happens. But as the season goes on, you’ve got to have young guys step up.”