New York, NY – The New York Jets released a statement Sunday night, announcing that defensive end Quinton Coples is out indefinitely and will need to undergo a medical procedure on his injured ankle.
It was reported earlier on Sunday that Coples suffered a hairline fracture of his right ankle during Saturday's preseason game against Jacksonville, with the New York Daily News citing he could miss 3-to-4 weeks.
However, that timetable may no longer be realistic, with the team's 2012 first-round draft pick scheduled for a procedure on the ankle on Tuesday. The injury arose while Coples was rushing Jaguars quarterback Chad Henne late in the first half of New York's 37-13 win.
After notching 5 1/2 sacks as a situational rusher as a rookie, Coples is being counted on to play an increased role this season and had been working at outside linebacker as well as end during training camp.
Free-agent addition Antwan Barnes, who recorded 11 sacks with San Diego in 2011, is the favorite to fill in during Coples' absence.
The Jets open the regular season in three weeks with a matchup against Tampa Bay on September 8.
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