FLORHAM PARK, N.J.— New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson had arthroscopic surgery Tuesday to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee and remains on track to return in a few weeks, a person with knowledge told The Associated Press.
Wilson flew to Los Angeles to have the procedure performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who trimmed the meniscus and found no further damage in the knee, said the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team didn’t announce results of the surgery. That timeline means the Jets could still have their starting quarterback for Week 1.
ESPN first reported that no additional damage was found during Wilson’s surgery.
Wilson was initially expected to miss 2 to 4 weeks with a bone bruise and meniscus tear in his right knee, but the timeline for how long he’d be sidelined would be determined by the surgery on the meniscus. While the Jets received good news, they will likely be cautious with the second-year quarterback before getting him back on the field.
It was initially feared that Wilson suffered a serious – and potentially season-ending – knee injury during the second offensive series of New York’s 24-21 preseason-opening win at Philadelphia last Friday night.
Joe Flacco could still start the regular-season opener against Baltimore – his former team – on Sept. 11 if Wilson isn’t ready.
• Mekhi Becton’s third season with the Jets is officially over before it even started.
The starting right tackle was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a chip fracture in his right kneecap suffered during practice on Aug. 8.
Becton traveled to Los Angeles for a consultation with Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Becton is expected to have surgery and will miss the upcoming season, which the Jets believed would be the case.
PANTHERS: Center Bradley Bozeman left Tuesday’s joint practice session with the New England Patriots on a cart after suffering an apparent leg injury.
Bozeman got tangled up during an 11-on-11 period and was attended to by trainers for several minutes. He was able to sit upright and get to his feet on his own power. But he walked gingerly with trainers to a nearby cart before heading to the locker room.
The 6-foot-5, 325-pounder signed with the Panthers as a free agent this offseason after starting 48 of 49 games the last three seasons for the Baltimore Ravens.
BROWNS: Starting center Nick Harris is out for the season after being placed on injured reserve along with one of his backups, rookie Dawson Deaton.
Harris suffered a serious right knee injury on the second play of last week’s exhibition opener at Jacksonville. The 23-year-old was dropping back to block for quarterback Deshaun Watson when his knee gave out and he crumpled to the grass.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski did not provide any specifics on Harris’ injury, and the team has not disclosed whether he’s undergone surgery. Harris was seeking a second opinion before opting for an operation.
GIANTS: Coach Brian Daboll acknowledged that backup QB Tyrod Taylor could get some snaps with the first-team offense in the preseason.
Daboll was asked if he had any desire or curiosity to see what Taylor could do with the first-teamers this preseason.
“Yeah, he’ll get — as we get going here in terms of the preseason games, we’ll talk about whatever we think is best,” Daboll said. “I have full confidence in Daniel (Jones) and full confidence in Tyrod with what his role is. Each day we evaluate the guys. But will he get a few reps here or there? He might.”
Daboll said it would “absolutely not” be a reflection on Jones if Taylor works with the starters. The Giants intend to enter the regular season with Jones as their starter.
He has taken all but one first-team rep in camp. Last week, Daboll put Taylor in for one play because he wanted to discuss a read with Jones after four unsuccessful 11-on-11 snaps. Jones went right back in and started the preseason opener at New England.
The Giants host the Cincinnati Bengals in their second preseason game Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Daboll said he will play his starters some for a second straight game. The Bengals are sitting their top guys.
CHIEFS: JuJu Smith-Schuster missed a soggy practice because of a sore knee, though the injury to the veteran wide receiver is not expected to keep him out long.
The Chiefs also waived defensive lineman Austin Edwards and wide receiver Devin Gray to get to the 85-man roster limit.
Smith-Schuster is being counted upon to help the Chiefs overcome the trade of wide receiver Tyreek Hill to Miami. The 25-year-old missed most of last season with the Steelers after he dislocated his shoulder in Week 5 against Denver, though he did return in time for the playoffs. He caught five passes for 26 yards in a blowout loss to the Chiefs.
In other injury news, kicker Harrison Butker was back on the field after missing Monday’s practice because of a sore ankle, though punter Tommy Townsend remained absent while dealing with a family matter.
Tight end Blake Bell was still out with a hip flexor injury and safety Zayne Anderson with a shoulder injury.
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