Secondary gets more bad news
Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert might have a field day against a struggling Jets secondary hit with more bad news.
Starter Bless Austin will miss practice on Thursday to have an MRI on his neck, according to Adam Gase. Veteran nickel corner Brian Poole, who was placed on Injured Reserve earlier this week, will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery.
“We get real young real fast,” Gase said Thursday if Austin is unable to play at Los Angeles. Austin’s absence would leave defensive coordinator Gregg Williams with fifthround rookie Bryce Hall, undrafted rookie Lamar Jackson, undrafted rookie Javelin Guidry, Ar thur Maulet and Corey Ballentine, who was claimed off waivers this week, on the back end.
It’s a less than ideal situation against Herbert, who has thrown for 2,333 yards and 19 touchdowns in his eight starts this season.
Gase said that the Jets, who cut underachieving veteran Pierre Desir this week, might shift a safety to cornerback this week.
NOTES
Don’t expect rookie fourthround quarterback James Morgan to play anytime soon. Gase admitted that Morgan isn’t really close to starting. So, Joe Flacco will almost certainly be the starter for as long as Sam Darnold (shoulder) remains out. ... Gase admitted that the NFL’s decision this week that all teams must adhere to COVID-19 intense protocol that includes virtual meetings won’t throw his team for a loop. The Daily News reported this summer that Gang Green was the only team in the league to exclusively conduct virtual meetings through training camp.