Alijah Vera-Tucker Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Dolphins vs Jets game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Sep 6, 2025
Officially on IR
Vera-Tucker (triceps) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker was ruled out for the season Thursday, so this move was a formality to free up a roster spot. The Jets haven't confirmed their plans to replace Vera-Tucker at right guard, but Joe Tippmann could shift over with Josh Myers taking Tippmann's spot at center.
Sep 4, 2025
Officially done for the year
Jets coach Aaron Glenn said Thursday that Vera-Tucker will miss the entire 2025 season due to a torn triceps injury.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker's injury requires season-ending surgery, and he will assuredly be placed on IR in the near future. Backup Xavier Newman will be one candidate to start in place of Vera-Tucker at right guard Sunday versus the Steelers, though No. 1 center Joe Tippmann could also slide over one spot. In that case, Josh Myers would start at center for the Jets.
Sep 4, 2025
Requires season-ending surgery
Vera-Tucker is scheduled to undergo season-ending surgery on his torn triceps in the coming days, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker suffered the triceps injury during practice Tuesday, and after receiving a second opinion, he determined that surgery was the best course for treatment. The 2021 first-round pick will now have missed significant time in three of his first five years in the NFL; he previously suffered a season-ending triceps tear to his opposite arm in 2022, and he missed 12 games in 2023 due to a torn Achilles. Joe Tippmann had been penciled in to start at center this season, but he could slide over to Vera-Tucker's spot at right guard for Sunday's opener versus the Steelers, which would clear the way for Josh Myers to start at center.
Sep 4, 2025
Likely done for the year
Vera-Tucker is believed to have suffered a torn triceps injury that will result in his indefinite placement on IR, and likely prove season-ending, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
The starting right guard suffered the injury during a one-one-one drill at practice. Vera-Tucker also previously suffered a torn right triceps in 2022, as well as a torn Achilles in 2023, but he started 15 regular-season games last year in what was a career-best campaign. His loss is now a significant blow for the Jets. Backup guard Xavier Newman could bump into the starting lineup as a result, but New York could also opt to move one of Joe Tippman or Josh Myers from center over to right guard for Sunday's game against the Steelers.
Sep 3, 2025
Significant arm injury feared
Vera-Tucker is believed to have sustained a potentially serious injury Wednesday and may be in danger of missing time, including Sunday's regular-season opener against the Steelers, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Vera-Tucker is dealing with an arm injury that may require surgery, and for which he's now seeking a second opinion. The starting right guard is coming off the best season of his career, and his loss for any amount of time would be a notable blow to quarterback Justin Fields, as well as running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen.
Jan 5, 2025
Will play in season finale
Vera-Tucker is active for Sunday's Week 18 matchup against Miami.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker has been battling an ankle injury much of the season and logged a DNP/DNP/LP progression in practice this week, but he'll be able to take the field for New York's 2024 finale. The fourth-year guard has played every one of the Jets' offensive snaps over the past seven weeks.
Dec 8, 2024
Active Week 14
Vera-Tucker (ankle) is available for Sunday's matchup with the Dolphins, Randy Lange of the Jets' official website reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker practiced in limited fashion Friday following back-to-back DNPs, so he was already trending in a positive direction. Look for the right guard to take on his usual responsibilities assuming he avoids any setbacks.
Dec 6, 2024
Questionable for Sunday
Vera-Tucker (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Jets.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker upgraded to limited practice Friday after logging consecutive DNPs to open the Jets' week of practice, suggesting he's trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's divisional matchup. However, if the fourth-year pro can't overcome his ankle issue in Week 14, expect Jake Hanson to serve as the Jets' top right guard.
Nov 10, 2024
Returning to action in Week 10
Vera-Tucker (ankle) is active for Sunday's matchup against Arizona, Randy Lange of the Jets' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker is set to return from a two-game absence due to an ankle injury he suffered in Week 7 against Pittsburgh. His return comes at a good time, as fellow guard Jake Hanson is inactive Sunday due to a hamstring injury.
Nov 8, 2024
Could return in Week 10
Vera-Tucker (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Cardinals, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker practiced in full Friday after opening the Jets' week of practice with consecutive DNPs, so it appears that he's trending toward returning in Week 10. However, if Vera-Tucker cannot overcome his ankle issue Sunday, Olu Fashanu could work as the Jets' top right guard.
Oct 30, 2024
Missing more time
Vera-Tucker (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday night's matchup against the Texans.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker was unable to practice all week after missing the Jets' Week 8 loss to the Patriots due to an ankle injury, so it's no surprise he'll be sidelined Thursday night. Jake Hanson is expected to serve as the Jets' top right guard in Vera-Tucker's stead.
Oct 25, 2024
Won't play vs. New England
Vera-Tucker (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Patriots, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker suffered an ankle injury during the Jets' Week 7 loss to the Steelers. The injury was severe enough for him to miss all three practices this week, and the 2021 first-round pick will be sidelined for Sunday's contest. Xavier Newman came in for Vera-Tucker after the latter injured his ankle, but the former sustained a neck injury in that contest, leaving Jake Hanson as the top candidate to start at right guard for Sunday's AFC East clash.
Oct 20, 2024
Unlikely to return Sunday
Vera-Tucker (ankle) is considered to be doubtful to return to Sunday night's game against the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker sustained an ankle injury in the first half and his night now appears to be done. In Vera-Tucker's absence, Xavier Newman took over at right guard versus Pittsburgh.
Oct 20, 2024
Questionable to return
Vera-Tucker (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday night's contest against the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker suffered an ankle injury in the first half of the game and his status for the rest of the night is uncertain as a result. Xavier Newman replaced him at right guard and will likely remain in that spot if Vera-Tucker is unable to return.
Jul 26, 2024
Returns to practice
Vera-Tucker (Achilles) participated in team drills Friday, Al Iannazzone of Newsday reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker tore his Achilles tendon last October and missed the final 13 weeks of the regular season. However, he now appears to be back to full health and is expected to be the Jets' starting right guard for the 2024 campaign.
Jul 25, 2024
Trending toward return
Coach Robert Saleh said Thursday that Vera-Tucker (Achilles) is trending toward returning to practice next week, Connor Hughes of SNY.tv reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker tore his Achilles' tendon in Week 5 against the Broncos last season, so he's a little over nine months removed from the injury. The 14th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, Vera-Tucker started all 16 games as a rookie but has missed 22 of 34 games to injuries over the last two seasons. He's expected to handle right guard duties for the Jets in 2024.
Jun 11, 2024
Remains on schedule
Vera-Tucker (Achilles) is expected to be ready for training camp, according to head coach Robert Saleh, Ethan B. Greenberg of the Jets' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The expectation has been for Vera-Tucker to be ready for training camp since OTAs took place in May. However, Saleh's reaffirmation of this Tuesday, with another month crossed off the calendar, provides greater confidence the veteran should be healthy going into the 2024 campaign.
May 21, 2024
Still not ready
Vera-Tucker (Achilles) hasn't been cleared for football activity yet, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker suffered a torn Achilles tendon Oct. 8 against the Broncos and remains in the process of recovery. The veteran offensive lineman is still expected to be ready for training camp, barring any setbacks, and is fully expected to be the Jets' starter at right guard in 2024.
May 2, 2024
Will play right guard
Vera-Tucker (Achilles) said it's "comforting" to know he'll be sticking at one position in 2024 as the Jets' right guard, Randy Lange of the team's website reports.
ANALYSIS
This is confirmation that Vera-Tucker will kick back inside this coming season after bouncing all over the offensive line throughout his first three seasons, including right tackle in 2023 prior to his torn Achilles. Barring injury, the Jets' offensive line appears set from left to right, including LT Tyron Smith, LG John Simpson, C Joe Tippmann, Vera-Tucker and RT Morgan Moses.
May 1, 2024
Making progress
Vera-Tucker (Achilles) is "feeling good" and is "definitely on pace for a good start to the season," Caroline Hendershot of the Jets' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker suffered a torn Achilles on Oct. 8 against the Broncos, but it sounds like the veteran offensive lineman has a chance to be ready to compete once training camp comes around. Despite playing right tackle for the team last season, their selection of Olumuyiwa Fashanu in the 2024 Draft and trade for Morgan Moses, suggests Vera-Tucker may move inside and play guard in 2024.
Apr 27, 2024
Option picked up
Jets GM Joe Douglas said Saturday that the team will exercise Vera-Tucker's (Achilles) 2025 fifth-year option, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
This was a no-brainer move for New York. Even though Vera-Tucker has 22 games over the last two seasons with significant triceps and Achilles injuries, he's been the the Jets' best lineman when on the field. Adding offensive line help has been an offseason priority for Douglas, signing LT Tyron Smith and OG John Simpson while trading for RT Morgan Moses. The Jets also selected OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu in the first round of this week's NFL Draft. Vera-Tucker was playing right tackle at the time of his season-ending torn Achilles. He figures to kick back inside to guard in 2024.
Oct 11, 2023
Moved to IR
The Jets placed Vera-Tucker (Achilles) on injured reserve Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker will go on IR for the remainder of the season after he suffered an Achilles tear Sunday versus Denver. This marks the 24-year-old's second season-ending injury in as many seasons, and he will now turn his attention to recovering ahead of the 2024 campaign. With Vera-Tucker done for the year, expect rookie second-rounder Joe Tippmann to move up as the Jets' starting right guard.
Oct 9, 2023
Out for season
Vera-Tucker will miss the remainder of the season with a torn Achilles, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker's season is over after suffering the injury during Sunday's win against the Broncos. With the 2021 second-round pick's done for the year, Joe Tippmann is expected to shift over to right guard and Connor McGovern should now start at center.
Oct 9, 2023
Expected to miss time
Vera-Tucker will undergo further testing, including an MRI, for his calf injury suffered in Sunday's win over the Broncos, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker was unable to return to the game after suffering the injury, and it's possible that he's injured his Achilles. However, it's not clear at this time, but further testing should provide the correct diagnosis for the 2021 first-round selection.
Oct 8, 2023
Forced out Sunday
Vara-Tucker (calf) was ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Broncos.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker was ruled out to begin the third quarter, as it appears he suffered a knee injury at some point during the first half. The 2021-first-round pick was one of the Jets' best offensive linemen last year before he suffered a season-ending triceps injury in October. In his absence, Max Mitchell will likely step in at right guard for the remainder of Sunday's contest. Vera-Tucker's next chance to play will arrive Sunday, Oct. 15 versus Philadelphia.
Sep 7, 2023
Ready to go Monday
Vera-Tucker (ankle) wasn't listed on the Jets' injury report Thursday ahead of their Week 1 game versus the Bills, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Despite dealing with a minor ankle injury during the preseason, it looks like the Jets' starting right guard is ready for the start of the regular season. If one of Duane Brown (shoulder) or Mekhi Becton (knee) sits out, Vera-Tucker could get kicked outside to tackle too.
Aug 15, 2023
Dealing with minor injury
Vera-Tucker is considered day-to-day due to an ankle injury, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker should be the team's starter at right guard, so getting him back to full health will be important for the team's offensive line. He'll now focus on his recovery so he can get back out on the field.
May 23, 2023
Practicing Tuesday at OTAs
Vera-Tucker (triceps) will practice Tuesday at OTAs, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker missed the majority of last season due to a torn triceps, but he appears to be healthy to start offseason workouts. Barring setbacks, the 2021 first-round pick should be the favorite to open 2023 as the Jets' starting right guard.
May 3, 2023
Still on track for training camp
Vera-Tucker (triceps) said Wednesday that he's doing great in his recovery and still expects to be ready for the start of training camp, Al Iannazzone of Newsday reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker had similar sentiments following the conclusion of the 2022 campaign, so he appears to have avoided setbacks for now and should be good to go for 2023 after missing the majority of last season due to a torn triceps. If healthy, Vera-Tucker should be the favorite to open the season as the Jets' starting right guard.
May 3, 2023
Still on track for training camp
Vera-Tucker (triceps) said Wednesday that he's doing great in his recovery and still expects to be ready for the start of training camp, Al Iannazzone of Newsday reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker had similar sentiments following the conclusion of the 2022 regular season, so it appears he's avoided setbacks for now and should be good to go for 2023 after missing the majority of last season due to a torn triceps. If healthy, Vera-Tucker should be the favorite to open the season as the Jets' starting right guard.
Jan 9, 2023
Should be ready for training camp
Vera-Tucker (triceps) expects to be ready for training camp this summer, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker suffered a torn triceps in late October and was forced to miss the remainder of the season following the injury, but the offensive lineman said Monday that he'll be ready for training camp in late July. Vera-Tucker's status is worth monitoring moving forward, but considering he'll have had nine months off by the time training camp rolls around, he should be ready to go. The 23-year-old showed growth in his second season in the league and should be a fixture on the Jets' offensive line for many years to come.
Oct 25, 2022
Goes on IR
Vera-Tucker (triceps) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, Ethan Greenberg of the Jets' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker was declared out for the season Monday after suffering a torn triceps in Sunday's win over the Broncos, so his move to IR was a formality. Mike Remmers is expected to handle the right tackle position moving forward.
Oct 24, 2022
Done for the year
Vera-Tucker suffered a torn triceps Sunday against the Broncos, and he'll be out for the remainder of the season, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker exited early Sunday with the injury, which was originally reported as an elbow issue. However, further testing revealed a season-ending torn triceps. Mike Remmers will now hold down the right tackle position for the Jets.
Oct 23, 2022
Managing elbow injury
Vera-Tucker suffered an elbow injury during Sunday's win over the Broncos, Ethan B. Greenberg of the Jets' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker will be further evaluated Monday to determine the extent of the issue, and it's unclear whether the Jets expect him to miss time. If Vera-Tucker is sidelined, Mike Remmers will likely see increased work at right tackle.
Dec 30, 2021
Returns from COVID list
Vera-Tucker (illness) was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker tested positive for the virus last week but is now back on the active roster ahead of Week 17. He should reclaim his starting spot at left guard this weekend against the Buccaneers.
Dec 21, 2021
Lands on COVID list
Vera-Tucker (illness) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker's move to the COVID list was a result of a positive test, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports. Vera-Tucker has enough time to clear protocols if he is vaccinated. as he will just need to produce two negative tests 24 hours apart. However, if he is unable to play Sunday against the Jaguars, the Jets will be down their starting left guard and Dan Feeney will likely be placed into that position.
Nov 21, 2021
Active as expected
Vera-Tucker (toe) is active for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Randy Lange of the Jets' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker practiced in limited fashion all week and was expected to suit up. He's been a key part of the Jets' offensive line all season and that should continue in the team's Week 11 matchup.
Nov 19, 2021
Likely to play Week 11
Vera-Tucker (toe) Rich Cimini of ESPN.com for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker has logged three straight limited practices this week, but he's expected to play it seems. The first-round pick has yet to miss a single snap this season, and his potential absence would be a huge blow for the Jets' offensive line.
Nov 14, 2021
Active to face Buffalo
Vera-Tucker (toe) is active to face the Bills on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker was dealing with a toe injury earlier this week, but he was a full participant in Friday's practice and that was enough to deem him as available for this one. He's expected to feature as the starting left guard.
Aug 24, 2021
Returns to team drills
Vera-Tucker (pectoral) is healthy and competing in team drills during Tuesday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Vera-Tucker was selected by the Jets with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He will play a critical role in keeping fellow rookie and No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson upright during the 2021 campaign.
Aug 4, 2021
Dealing with pectoral strain
Vera-Tucker is considered day-to-day after suffering a right pectoral strain, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
It doesn't appear to be a serious injury, but Vera-Tucker figures to take it easy for the near future to avoid worsening the issue. The 22-year-old, who was draft 14th overall by the Jets in the 2021 draft, is expected to open the season as the starter at left guard.
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