Mandatory Credit: Kevin Wexler-USA TODAY Sports
Jets rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is considered week-to-week after an MRI showed positive news, as first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Tuesday.
Cooper, who was one of the Jets’ three first-round picks, hauled in one reception for 30 yards on Gang Green’s opening drive of the season during their 23-10 win over the Tennessee Titans. But he was hurt shortly after and forced to leave the game for good in the first quarter.
Initial X-rays following the game on Sunday came back negative, and MRI results are promising enough that the Jets are not going to put the Indiana product on IR. That means they believe he can return to action within the next four weeks.
His absence does make an already-thin Jets wide receiver room all the more scarce. Tim Patrick is already on injured reserve, leaving Adonai Mitchell, Isaiah Williams, and Arian Smith as the team’s only healthy options.
Williams took over as New York’s slot receiver upon Cooper’s exit on Sunday, appearing for 40 offensive snaps and catching one pass for seven yards.
There are veteran wide receivers on the market that could be brought in to beef up quarterback Geno Smith’s options, including former long-time Giant, Darius Slayton.
Cooper’s MRI results were the second bit of good news the Jets received on the injury front. Veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is expected to miss only two to three weeks because of a groin injury.
The Jets’ tests get much tougher after their Week 1 win over the rebuilding Titans. They host the Green Bay Packers before hitting the road to face two other NFC North powers, the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions.
For more on Omar Cooper Jr. and the Jets, visit AMNY.com
