Jets’ Mims, Gore, Desir dealing with hamstring injuries
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. >> Denzel Mims might have to wait a little while before catching passes from Sam Darnold again.
The rookie wide receiver was sidelined at practice Friday with a hamstring injury that could keep him out at least a few days.
Mims, the team’s second-round pick in April, was hurt earlier this week while running routes during drills. Coach Adam Gase said Mims reached for a low throw and “kind of took a weird step.”
“He really stretched himself out, and he felt something,” Gase said. “We’re just going to have to see how long it takes.”
Mims wasn’t the only player sidelined during the first full practice of training camp. Running back Frank Gore, cornerback Pierre Desir and defensive lineman Bronson Kaufusi are also nursing hamstring injuries, while rookie defensive lineman Jabari Zuniga — a third-round pick — has a quadriceps injury and running back Kenneth Dixon has a hip flexor.
Mims is expected to be a key contributor this season while joining a receiving group that includes freeagent addition Breshad Perriman and slot receiver Jamison Crowder. The former Baylor star who caught 66 catches for 1,020 yards and 12 touchdowns last year should help offset the loss of top receiver Robby Anderson to Carolina in free agency.
But Gase also acknowledged the lack of on-field practices the team had during the offseason because of the coronavirus pandemic could potentially hinder the progress of young players such as Mims.
“Every rep we have right now is extremely valuable,” Gase said, adding that Mims will continue to spend a lot of time with him and the coaching staff during walkthrough sessions when he can’t practice.
“Mentally, we can help him improve, but when you’re playing that spot, it’s all about the chemistry you have with the quarterback,” Gase said.
“And, we’re missing time. Since he’s been here, he’s been trying to do everything right: He shows up early, tries to do all the right things and taking care of his body. It was was just a really weird step he took and just got stretched out.”