Jets S Chuck Clark Designated For Return From IR

A year after missing the entire 2023 NFL season with a torn ACL, Jets safety Chuck Clark finally returned to the field as a starter for his new team this year. Unfortunately, Clark found himself on injured reserve once again six games into the 2024 NFL season. After the minimum required four missed games, Clark is now being designated to return from IR, per Brian Costello of the New York Post. 

Clark‘s troubles staying on the field do not date back to his time in Baltimore. The former Ravens strong safety only missed two games over the first six years of his career, but since being traded to New York, he has missed 21 games. He missed all 17 games in 2023 with a torn ACL and has missed four more since being placed on injured reserve.

Despite Clark missing the entirety of his only season under contract with New York, the Jets elected to keep him around, re-signing him and fellow free agent Ashtyn Davis while watching Jordan Whitehead walk in free agency. The Jets held an offseason competition for the starting two jobs between Clark, Davis, and Tony Adams after Adams and Whitehead started most of last year. Clark ended up beating out Davis to start the first six games of the season alongside Adams, with Davis getting playing time here and there off the bench.

Instead of Davis taking over for Clark in the starting role, as was initially thought to be the preferred course of action, veteran Jalen Mills took over starting duties in Clark’s absence. If Clark is able to return soon, it will only bolster some impressive safety depth for a defense that already ranks third in passing yards allowed this season. His tackling prowess could help improve a run defense that ranks 26th in yards allowed, though.

Initially sidelined with the diagnosis of a high-ankle sprain, the minimal four-game absence was expected, allowing Clark to potentially return to the field this week in time for a Sunday night matchup against the Colts. The NFL has since flexed the matchup to noon. If Clark isn’t quite ready to return this week, an additional two weeks could be available for recovery as the Jets’ bye week falls right after the team’s contest versus Indianapolis.

The Jets won’t have too much wiggle room after that, though, as today’s transaction opens a 21-day practice window for Clark. If the 29-year-old safety is unable to return by the close of that window, he’ll revert to season-ending IR.