The New York Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is set to be sidelined for four to six weeks due to suffering a dislocated elbow. Considering that the team has a bye in Week 6, Rankins could miss as few as three games depending on the pace of his recovery.
Rankins was injured during the first half of the Jets’ 20-17 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Following the defensive tackle’s injury, Jets coach Robert Saleh revealed that he remains confident that Rankins can avoid injury reserve and that his recovery is being monitored week-to-week.
After serving largely as a rotational player last season, Rankins has grown into a starting role this season, racking up 25 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks to date. He also ranks fourth in the NFL with 313 defensive snaps.
The Jets have struggled with injury issues this season, dressing 10 defensemen for the first time this season on Sunday. With Rankins unavailable, New York’s only options at defensive tackle are Quinnen Williams, Nathan Shepherd, and Solomon Thomas. Tanzel Smart could also be brought in from the practice squad.
