Mangold to IR with ankle injury, Gang Green days may be finished

Nick Mangold’s season, and possibly his Jets career, is over.

The veteran center was placed on injured reserve Thursday, ending his year. Mangold has been dealing with a right ankle injury that won’t go away. He visited Dr. Robert Anderson, a foot spe- cialist, in North Carolina on Thursday, which led to the decision to shut him down for the rest of the year.

Mangold, 32, sprained his ankle against the Ravens on Oct. 23. He missed the next four games before returning for Monday’s loss to the Colts. Mangold aggravated the injury in that game and came out in the second half.

The question now is: Will Mangold be back with the Jets in 2017? The seven-time Pro Bowler is under contract for next year, but he would count $9 million against the salary cap. That is a big number for an older player in decline. If the Jets cut him, they would save the full $9 million. The Jets signed safety Doug Middleton off the practice squad to take Mangold’s roster spot. RT Breno Giacomini did not practice Thursday and sounded unsure if he will play against the 49ers this week. He injured his calf in Monday night’s loss to the Colts. Giacomini has had a rough year with injuries, missing the first seven games with a back injury. He also has a shoulder injury.

“I’ve been kind of lucky my whole career,” Giacomini said. “This year has been nonstop. I get from a back injury and hurt my shoulder. Get back from that and I hurt my calf. I just can’t

seem to stay healthy this year and it sucks because I can’t help my team.” If Giacomini can’t play, Brent Qvale likely will start. Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey was asked if he is worried about his job security following this disappointing season. “I’ve been through this enough times, you have to do the best you can do every day,” Gailey said. “That’s what you get up and do, try to do the best you can every day. You can’t let it affect who you are, and what you’re trying to get done.” Coach Todd Bowles said WR Devin Smith has a good chance of being active Sunday. Smith has not played yet this year as he recovers from ACL surgery last December. ... Sheldon Richardson and Giacomini said they were fined by the NFL for their personal fouls in Monday’s game. Both players plan on appealing. ... WR Jalin Marshall (concussion), S Antonio Allen (concussion), RB Khiry Robinson (leg), NT Steve McLendon (hamstring) and Giacomini did not practice. Bowles said Robinson has been ruled out. OLB Lorenzo Mauldin (ankle), DE Muhammad Wilkerson ( ankle) and S Calvin Pryor (concussion) were limited.