NFL3 hours ago2 minute read

Minkah Fitzpatrick Out for Jets Ahead of Packers Matchup

The New York Jets will be without safety Minkah Fitzpatrick against the Packers as they try to break a historic interception drought.

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Injury Blow Amid Historic Drought

The New York Jets are facing a major defensive setback. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has been ruled out of Sunday's home opener against the Green Bay Packers due to a groin injury. Fitzpatrick was hurt on the sixth play of the season opener and did not practice this week. He is expected to miss at least another game.

This is a massive blow for a defense stuck in the longest interception drought in NFL history. The Jets have gone 18 straight games without an interception, spanning 571 pass attempts since the end of the 2024 season. Fitzpatrick was brought in via an offseason trade to fix this, boasting 21 career interceptions since entering the league in 2018.

Next Men Up in the Jets Secondary

With Fitzpatrick sidelined, the Jets will turn to Andre Cisco. Cisco lost his starting job in training camp to Dane Belton but has plenty of experience, with 55 career starts over eight seasons with the team. Coach Aaron Glenn remains confident in his depth, noting that they have other experienced players who need to step up.

"Cisco's played a lot of football in this league and he's been a damn good player in this league," Glenn said.

The Jets will use a safety tandem of Belton and Cisco, with Malachi Moore in reserve. They will face a tough test against Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who threw for 387 yards and two touchdowns in a 39-22 loss to the Vikings last week. Glenn praised Love, saying, "His arm talent is unbelievable."

More Roster Changes for New York

The Jets also ruled out rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. with a sprained ankle. He is expected to miss multiple weeks. Isaiah Williams will likely step up as the third receiver. The team could also bring up a veteran receiver like Sterling Shepard or Tyler Johnson from the practice squad.

Meanwhile, Jason Sanders will handle kicking duties again. Sanders missed a 54-yard field goal last week but recovered to make three straight kicks, helping the Jets secure a 23-10 win over the Tennessee Titans.

What it means for the next game

Green Bay Packers at New York Jets (NFL, Sun, 20 Sep): New York Jets win 33%, Green Bay Packers win 67%; projected score New York Jets 20, Green Bay Packers 25. Our safest pick: Packers to win.