The New York Jets face a potential disaster scenario as they deal with uncertainty surrounding their top offensive weapon. Garrett Wilson sustained an injury during Sunday’s embarrassing defeat to the Denver Broncos in London. For fantasy football managers who have relied on the standout receiver, what is his current status moving forward?
Garrett Wilson Injury Update
Wilson sustained his injury late in the Jets’ 13-11 loss to the Broncos at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The injury initially appeared to be a hip problem based on early assessments, but further evaluation revealed the issue is actually with his knee.
Head coach Aaron Glenn initially described Wilson’s ailment as a hip injury immediately following the contest. However, Jets reporter Connor Hughes later clarified that Wilson is dealing with a knee injury that will require an MRI.
Wilson underwent preliminary X-rays after the game but will need more comprehensive imaging to determine the severity of his condition. The MRI is expected to take place early this week, with results potentially available Monday or Tuesday.
There’s a possibility that concrete information about Wilson’s status won’t emerge until Wednesday. Either way, Wilson is unlikely to participate at this week’s first practice. Given the need for an MRI, there are legitimate concerns that this could be a serious injury.
Wilson appeared emotional when discussing his condition with reporters after the game. “I’m just trying to wait for the stuff to come back. It’s really messing with my mental and I don’t want to think about it,” he said when asked about the injury.
The fact that Wilson requires advanced imaging suggests this isn’t a minor issue that will resolve quickly. While there’s no immediate concern about ACL damage, the injury could still be some form of sprain that might sideline him for multiple weeks.
On Monday, Rich Cimini reported that Wilson’s MRI revealed nothing significant, but he is still expected to miss time. The Jets have a Week 9 bye. It already sounds as if Wilson is out this week. With the team winless, there’s no sense in pushing Wilson back at less than 100%. He will very likely miss Week 8 as well, rest through the bye, and return in Week 10.
Wilson has been dealing with the frustration of the Jets’ 0-6 start while putting together what was shaping up to be the best season of his career before this setback occurred.
Wilson Fantasy Outlook
Wilson’s injury comes at the worst possible time for both the Jets and fantasy managers. The receiver was coming off his worst performance of the season, managing just three catches for 13 yards in what was also the Jets’ most dismal offensive showing of the year.
The Jets posted negative 10 net passing yards against Denver, with Justin Fields getting sacked nine times for 55 yards while the team managed only 45 passing yards total. This historically bad performance suggests Fields’ tenure as the starting quarterback may be nearing its end.
Wilson has been the lone bright spot in New York’s passing attack through six games, recording 36 receptions for 395 yards and four touchdowns. He was on pace for career highs across multiple categories despite the team’s overall struggles.
If Wilson has to miss significant time, there’s no viable in-house replacement for fantasy managers to consider. Josh Reynolds and Arian Smith aren’t worth adding, as neither has shown the ability to contribute consistently.
Mason Taylor might see an uptick in target volume as the primary tight end, but his fantasy relevance remains minimal as long as Fields continues struggling under center. The entire Jets passing attack lacks viable options beyond Wilson.
Fantasy managers should hope Wilson’s absence, if any, proves minimal. The Jets’ offensive limitations make it nearly impossible for any other player to provide meaningful fantasy production, regardless of increased opportunity.
The timing of Wilson’s potential absence couldn’t be worse for a Jets offense that desperately needs every available weapon to generate any semblance of productivity moving forward.