All starters are ready to play, but the New York Jets ruled out two backups on the final injury report ahead of Monday Night Football’s season opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
Versatile offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer and backup linebacker Zaire Barnes both suffered injuries during practice earlier this week and will not be available in Week 1. Schweitzer was subsequently placed on injured reserve, meaning he will be out for at least four weeks.
“Schweitzer’s out. Zaire’s out. Everyone else is full,” fourth-year head coach Robert Saleh said Saturday.
Schweitzer, who turns 31 on Sept. 11, is dealing with a hand injury while Barnes, a sixth-round pick in the 2023 draft, is dealing with an ankle issue. The former has not participated the last three days while the latter appeared on the injury report Friday.
“Earlier this week, both of them were unfortunately injured,” Saleh said.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Jets elevate interior lineman Jake Hanson and/or linebacker Sam Eguavoen from the practice squad for Monday’s game.
The good news for New York is that wide receiver Mike Williams, a key free agent signing in the offseason, is not carrying an injury designation heading into the opener. Williams started training camp on the physically unfit to perform list, but he is ready to play less than 12 months after torn his ACL.
San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey is officially listed as doubtful for Monday night. He has been nursing a calf strain during the second half of training camp but told reporters Friday he plans to play. McCaffrey, the NFL’s leading rusher in 2023 in yards from scrimmage, has been a limited participant in practice all week.
Jets Week 1 Injury Report
SATURDAY
LB Zaire Barnes (ankle) — DNP
[Game: OUT]
OL Wes Schweitzer (hand) — DNP
[Game: OUT]
CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse (groin) — FP
[Game: – ]
OL Max Mitchell (shoulder) — FP
[Game: – ]
OL Xavier Newman (shoulder) — FP
[Game: – ]
OL Tyron Smith (Vet Rest) — FP
[Game: – ]
WR Mike Williams (knee) — FP
[Game: – ]
FRIDAY
LB Zaire Barnes (ankle) — DNP
OL Wes Schweitzer (hand) — DNP
CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse (groin) — FP
OL Max Mitchell (shoulder) — FP
OL Xavier Newman (shoulder) — FP
OL Tyron Smith (Vet Rest) — FP
WR Mike Williams (knee) — FP
THURSDAY
OL Wes Schweitzer (hand) — DNP
OL Tyron Smith (Vet Rest) — LP
CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse (groin) — FP
OL Max Mitchell (shoulder) — FP
OL Xavier Newman (shoulder) — FP
WR Mike Williams (knee) — FP
More New York Jets news:
• Aaron Rodgers faces last player who sacked him in MNF opener
• Jets offensive coordinator explains what makes Breece Hall a rare breed
• Rodgers hopes New York Jets made right offensive moves this offseason
• Jets urged to reunite former Packers tight end with Aaron Rodgers
• Saleh takes steps to offset Jets’ schedule disadvantage
