The New York Jets are heading into Sunday’s meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs without Garrett Wilson, and that changes the shape of the game before it even kicks off.
Head coach Aaron Glenn said Wilson has been ruled out for Week 9 after suffering a concussion in Week 8 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Even with Wilson available, this matchup would have been a steep climb for New York. Without him, the Jets lose the receiver who has carried so much of their passing game.
That leaves quarterback Geno Smith without one of his most important targets in a game where New York will need every bit of firepower it can find. Wilson’s absence also carries another wrinkle: it could have an impact on the slim chance that existed of him being dealt before the NFL trade deadline.
Wilson has been the Jets’ clear leader in both receptions and yards, so the burden now shifts to someone else in the receiver room. Rookies Omar Cooper and Kenyon Sadiq, along with third-year speedster Adonai Mitchell, are among the players who may need to take on a larger role if New York wants to stay competitive with Kansas City.
A loss Sunday would only add fuel to the trade chatter, which means Wilson’s status for Week 10 won’t be the only thing Jets fans are watching closely. He recently signed a four-year, $130 million extension, but there has also been some frustration from Wilson at times this season. A move still seems unlikely, but the conversation isn’t going away just yet.
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