New York, NY – New York Jets defensive end Quinton Coples will miss the start of the upcoming season after sustaining a hairline fracture of his ankle in Saturday's preseason game against Jacksonville, the New York Daily News reported Sunday.
According to the report, Coples will not need surgery and is expected to be sidelined between 3-to-4 weeks. The 2012 first-round draft pick suffered the injury while 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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