With just two losses on the season the New York Jets are very much alive in the league right now. The team has been overachieving thanks to the legs of Chris Ivory and the average arm of Ryan Fitzpatrick. However, the one thing that could derail the positive momentum made is injuries. Coming off a game against the New England Patriots and preparing for a potential heated battle with the Oakland Raiders, the Jets could be down two wide receivers for the game.
According to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com, the Jets are prepared to be without rookie Devin Smith once again. Smith is dealing with an ankle injury that forced him into a walking boot. He is not expected to play as his injured-riddled rookie season continues. Smith found himself in the headlines after he and Brandon Marshall were seen exchanging words after the veteran was called on a false start against the Patriots. According to Marshall, it was all positive and he looks forward to Smith getting more active on the field. Of course the receiver needs to be healthy first.
"He was saying, 'Hey, it's clear I'm on the ball,'" Marshall said, via ESPN.com. "I was saying, 'I hear that, but we just have to communicate in those moments.' I've been in the league a long time. There's a certain way I'm used to doing things and a certain way he's used to doing things. It's good to be able to tell him things."
Chris Owusu could also be out for the game on Sunday. The wide receiver is once again under concussion protocol after suffering the injury against the Patriots. Owusu is the No.3 receiver, but he has yet to be able to stay healthy. In his place, Jeremy Kerley will likely take his place. The receiver had a solid showing against the Patriots and could continue the momentum with both Smith and Owusu out for Eric Decker and Marshall help.
Do the Jets need to add a body to the roster? Head coach Todd Bowles has already said he is not happy that the receivers have yet to find consistency. According to Cimini, the Jets have taken a look at some free agent options, but have yet to make any moves. There are some quality players available with Hakeem Nicks, Reggie Wayne and Wes Welker sitting unsigned. Nicks could be a big upgrade from Smith and Owusu who cannot seem to stay healthy. If the run game struggles at all, Fitzpatrick needs his receivers to step up and the lack of depth could hurt that.
