Oh, Man! Ankle injury ends Nick’s season
Nick Mangold’s season is over, and it’s possible he’s played his final game in a Jet uniform. Gang Green placed Mangold on injured reserve Thursday, days after the starting center re-injured his right ankle in a primetime loss to the Colts.
Mangold traveled to North Carolina earlier Thursday to visit with orthopedic specialist Dr. Robert Anderson, Todd Bowles confirmed. Based on the announcement, the second opinion was not a positive one.
“He’s hurting pretty good,” Bowles said during his press conference, which occurred less than an hour before the Jets officially announced the news.
Bowles believes surgery is on the table for Mangold, who missed four straight games because of the ankle before returning against Indy.
“Depending on what the doctors say, I’m sure it could be,” Bowles said of the possibility of surgery.
Mangold is slated to make $6.1 million in 2017 with a $9.1 million cap hit. But none of that money is guaranteed, which is why the Jets are likely to part ways with Mangold after the season.
Mangold first sprained his ankle against the Ravens on Oct. 23. He then attempted to come back too quickly and suffered a setback in the first week of November leading up to the Jets’ game at the Dolphins. That forced him to miss an additional three games, plus the bye week in
IS GAILEY GONE?
A disappointing season in the NFL often leads to coaching changes. Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey is aware of that fact, especially considering how poorly his offense has performed in 2016.
But Gailey isn’t thinking too far ahead. He’s been coaching in the NFL on and off since 1985 and knows how to approach these situations as a professional.
“I’ve been through this enough times, you have to do the best you can do every day,” Gailey said. “You can’t let it affect who you are, and what you’re trying to get done.”
INJURY REPORT
Jets who missed practice Thursday include: S Antonio Allen (concussion), T Breno Giacomini (back, calf shoulder), WR Jalin Marshall (concussion), DT Steve McLendon (hamstring) and RB Khiry Robinson (lower leg). LB Lorenzo Mauldin (ankle), S Calvin Pryor (concussion) and DE Muhammad Wilkerson (ankle) were limited.
Bowles said WR Devin Smith may be active Sunday for the first time this season.