Jets' Moses returns to practice, but ruled out vs. Vikings in London. Vera-Tucker (ankle) limited
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Jets right tackle Morgan Moses returned to practice as a limited participant Thursday, but was ruled out for New York's game against Minnesota in London on Sunday.
Moses, who injured his left knee against New England on Sept. 19, will miss his second game after the Jets announced he wouldn't travel with the team Thursday night.
But Moses' limited participation was a positive step in his recovery from an injury that initially appeared even more serious. He once again will be replaced by rookie Olu Fashanu. The No. 11 overall pick in the draft played exclusively at left tackle in college at Penn State, but made his first NFL start on the right side against Denver last Sunday.
“I don’t think it was too big for him,” offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett said. “And I think he’s going to get better every game.”
There's another question mark on the Jets' offensive line, though, with right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker added to the injury report with an ankle ailment that apparently occurred during practice Thursday. He was a limited participant and the team should know more about his availability after its next practice Friday in London.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, as expected, practiced fully after being listed as limited Wednesday because he didn't participate in the team stretch. Rodgers was dealing with some swelling in his left knee after being sacked five times and hit 14 overall in the loss to Denver.
Defensive lineman Leki Fotu also fully participated for the second straight day after he returned to practice Wednesday following four weeks on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. He could be activated from IR in time to play against Minnesota, making his debut with the Jets.
“He is a big, powerful man,” defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said. “He absolutely embodies our play style, too. He plays violent, he plays hard and he strains and he stands for all the things that we covet around here. And he is just itching at the highest level to play.”
Linebacker C.J. Mosley's status is still uncertain after he missed the last two games with a toe injury. He was limited again Thursday and said he's feeling better, but will be smart about coming back too quickly.
“If I can go and be 100%, I’m definitely going to play,” Mosley said. “But just staying realistic. I don’t want to hype myself up and get out there and do anything crazy.”
Left tackle Tyron Smith sat out a second straight practice as a veteran rest day.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated Press