The New York Jets released a lengthy injury report ahead of their Week 4 matchup against the Chicago Bears, and the news was a mixed bag. Five players missed Wednesday’s practice, including some of the team’s most important offensive contributors. The silver lining? Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick looks like he’s trending toward a return.

Multiple key Jets ruled week to week

Tight end Mason Taylor, running back Breece Hall, wide receiver AD Mitchell, guard Dylan Parham, and linebacker Kiko Mauigoa all sat out Wednesday’s session. In fact, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn labeled each of them as “week to week”.

That’s a significant chunk of the offense potentially sidelined for Sunday. Parham went down with a knee injury during the Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions, and Jordan Meredith, whom the Jets brought in from Las Vegas this offseason, is currently slated as his backup. Meredith should likely step in as the starter if Parham can’t go.

Now at tight end, a Mason Taylor absence would still leave New York with three options to fill in. They still have rookie Kenyon Sadiq and veterans Jeremy Ruckert and Jelani Woods. That room would be fine. The bigger concern is the backfield. If Breece Hall can’t suit up, the Jets will need Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis to step up in a major way. Keke Nwangwu, who has been dealing with his own injury, could be needed to get out there as well. The running back room could look thin.

There are still two days of practice left, Thursday and Friday, to see if any of these players can get back on the field. The general rule of thumb applies here: if a player logs a full practice Thursday and Friday, they should be good to go for Sunday.

Fitzpatrick trending toward return

On the positive side of the ledger, Glenn said there is a good chance Fitzpatrick plays Sunday against Chicago. Fitzpatrick went down with a groin injury in Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans, and it was never expected to be a lengthy absence. Getting him back for a matchup like this is a boost the Jets defense needs.

Minkah Fitzpatrick was brought in as a high-caliber player who could be the captain of a young Jets secondary. His impact on and off the field should be enormous for New York. It may even lead to the Jets getting their first interception in quite some time.

Bears quarterback decision looms

The Jets aren’t the only team dealing with question marks. Chicago has its own situation brewing at quarterback, with the Bears deciding between Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent for the start. Bears head coach Ben Johnson provided an update Wednesday, saying the direction for who will start has already been determined.

“We’ll be in good shape for Sunday,” Johnson said.

So the Bears know who their guy is. The public just doesn’t know yet. What we do know is the Jets will not see Caleb Williams on Sunday. Whether it’s Keenum or Bagent, New York’s defense will have to be ready, and having Fitzpatrick back would go a long way. The Jets injury report is of typical length for a team a few games into the season. The problem lies in the players who appear on it. 

This is an extremely crucial game for New York, they must find a way to win.