New York Jets defensive end Vinny Curry will miss the entire 2021 season due to the effects of a rare blood disorder, he announced on Wednesday.
Curry was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder in July that required the removal of his spleen, he explained in a Twitter post. He was projected to return in mid-September; however, during his recovery, he developed blood clots that forced him to start blood thinners, which prevent him from having physical contact for the next three to six months.
"While I am incredibly disappointed that I will not be able to play with my teammates this year, I am thankful that the doctors identified my condition in time," Curry wrote.
He added that doctors said he is expected to make a full recovery and return to the field next season.
Curry has spent eight of nine seasons in Philadelphia, including the 2017 Super Bowl championship season, along with a one-year stint in Tampa Bay. In 2020, Curry had 16 combined tackles (12 solo), 10 quarterback hits, three sacks and one recovered fumble in 11 games (three starts) for the Eagles.
New York is dealing with a plethora of injuries leading up to the start of the 2021 season.
The Jets will also be without defensive end Carl Lawson this season after he ruptured his Achilles in a joint practice with the Packers. Linebacker Jarrad Davis has an ankle injury that will keep him sidelined into the regular season, while safety Zane Lewis was ruled out for the year after he tore his patella tendon and sprained his MCL.
Wide receiver Denzel Mims (hip) and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (knee) are both considered day to day with minor injuries. Offensive tackle Mekhi Becton is in concussion protocol after a practice injury on Tuesday. Rookies Alijah Vera-Tucker (pectoral) and Elijah Moore (quad) both just returned to team practice this week, and were in full pads Wednesday.
(Photo: John Jones / USA Today)
Where does this leave the pass-rushing depth?
Connor Hughes, Jets beat writer: They don't have much right now, that's for sure. The Jets planned to rely heavily on Curry after losing Lawson for the season. Bryce Huff and John Franklin-Myers are the two starters. Behind them? Ronnie Blair and Jabari Zuniga, both of whom are injured, and Hamilcar Rashed, a rookie. Not great.
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Could the Jets add reinforcements via trade?
Hughes: They could. The problem: Who exactly is out there? Here's what Saleh said Wednesday about adding a body:
"It's always easy to play the fictional game of 'let's go get somebody.' But the reality is that there’s very far and few in between in terms of just what’s available. Now, obviously, Joe (Douglas) and his staff are working relentlessly, always trying to look at the roster and always communicating. We’ve got great confidence in the guys that are here, we still have great leadership with Quinnen (Williams), Foley (Folorunso Fatukasi), Shep (Nathan Shepherd) and Sheldon Rankins.
"It’s still a good group with regards to leadership. Like I said, obviously we love Vinny, and it hurts not to have him around, but it also gives somebody else the opportunity to step in."
Curry’s full statement:
🙏🏾 God Got Me pic.twitter.com/vBWZnVqAXS
— Vinny Curry (@MrGetFlee99) August 25, 2021