EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 07: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Muhammad Wilkerson #96 of the New York Jets in action against the Oakland Raiders on September 7, 2014 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Raiders 19-14. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Muhammad Wilkerson
The New York Jets are coming off of their bye and will welcome back Sheldon Richardson, who's returning from his four-game suspension. While the addition of Richardson is obviously important, a recent injury to his running mate Muhammad Wilkerson should not be overlooked.
According to Rich Cimini of ESPN, Wilkerson will have an X-Ray on Monday for a rib injury that he suffered against the Miami Dolphins in Week 4. Todd Bowles was not aware of the injury until Monday.
The X-Ray is likely just a precautionary measure to determine the severity, but it's never a good sign when a star defensive player comes down with an injury. Since Wilkerson didn't bring up the injury at any point during the bye, it's likely not a big issue. Still, it's worth keeping an eye on.
Through four games, Wilkerson has 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble, so he's clearly an impact player on defense for the Jets. Having him, Richardson, and Leonard Williams all healthy is a huge bonus for Bowles.
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