The Jets are dealing with a handful of injuries heading into Sunday's Week 14 matchup against the Dolphins, headlined by CB Sauce Gardner, who sustained a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter against the Seahawks.
"They're still assessing the degree beyond what the MRI told us, but he plays a position and we're playing an opponent that you cannot play with a poor hamstring, in my opinion," interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said. "We'll see how it goes. If he's feeling good and ready to rock and roll, then we'll let him play. If not, this is not a game we want him half speed."
Brandin Echols, who has both of the Green & White's interceptions this season and has two pick-sixes against Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, would likely start if Gardner can't play.
The Jets could also be without their starters on the right side of the offensive line in RG Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) and RT Morgan Moses (shoulder).
"Morgan's shoulder for most guys would be semi-serious, but for Morgan, as we all know, he's just one of those tough guys," Ulbrich said. "He's a throwback NFL player that is willing to play with about anything. A guy we're so fortunate to have in that way. Tough as it gets."
While the Jets only allowed 2 sacks Sunday, one came on second down on the team's final possession that pushed the offense back to third-and-15. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was hit 6 times including the offense's final play as Seattle disguised a blitz but ultimately rushed four players against the Green & White's 7 blockers.
"We have to play better to start with," Ulbrich said. "From a technique standpoint, maybe more variance at times. We've talked about more variance as far as protection is concerned, not being as predictable in that way, and then incorporating, at times, a little bit more quick game, three-step [drops], getting the ball out of his hands. It's a combination all those things."
Running back Breece Hall, who will not practice Wednesday because of a knee injury, could be on a similar practice schedule to last week. Hall did not practice last Wednesday, was limited Thursday and had a full Friday before he suited up Sunday.
"He thinks he's going to play," Ulbrich said. "We'll see how the week goes. Last week we didn't know, he got out there Friday and looked fantastic. I'm hopeful we'll have the same scenario."
Hall, whose lost fumble in the third quarter Sunday, which led to a field goal that cut the Jets' lead, 21-19, was critical of himself postgame. Ulbrich said it is an indication of the third-year back's growth.
"He's become this amazing worker, this amazing teammate," Ulbrich said. "It's just been so amazing and so cool to see. Not only is he grown as a player, but he's grown off the field as well. Really starting to learn what the process is supposed to look like for a pro. Extremely discouraged and pissed off at himself that he fumbled that ball and he feels a great obligation to this team, but I could not be happier with where he's at as a player, a person and as a pro."
The Jets, however, have a pair of players on the mend. They've opened the 21-day practice window for WR Allen Lazard and OL Wes Schweitzer, and Ulbrich is hopeful they'll be able to play.
Captain and LB C.J. Mosley could also make his return to the lineup for the first time since Week 7. Mosley practiced last week for the first time since sustaining a neck injury and was a full participant last Wednesday and Thursday, but was limited Friday. He was listed as questionable and was ruled out Sunday morning.
"He's going to give it another try this week," Ulbrich said. "Last week was the first time he really went full practice, full pads and all that. He felt good, not great, so we're going to give him another week to really take an assessment where he's at."
