It's been a problem since training camp and it doesn't appear to be improving.
New York Jets' slot cornerback Michael Carter II has seemingly twice reaggravated the ankle injury that popped up this past summer.
After a stay on the injury report last week, Carter earned the start against the Tennessee Titans on September 15. The 2021 fifth-round draft pick, who recently signed a three-year contract extension that could pay him up to $33 million, was in and out of the game as the staff managed his ankle issue. The reliable corner totaled 30 defensive snaps in the Week 2 victory.
The injury forced him to leave the Jets' September 9 season opener in the second half and he never returned. In the aftermath of the Week 1 loss, New York head coach Robert Saleh mentioned that Carter was capable of reentering the contest but the team chose to hold him out.
With the Jets facing a short week of preparation ahead of their Thursday Night Football home opener against the New England Patriots, Saleh provided a somewhat alarming update concerning Carter.
"He was up the entire game, but he's another one. He's going to be dealing with his ankle all year or at least for the immediate future, where he's in and out of games," said Saleh on Monday while addressing reporters virtually.
Saleh's comment suggests that Carter is dealing with a lingering issue that won't be going away anytime soon. It seems as if he'll have to play through the problem while hoping it doesn't worsen.
The Jets listed Carter as a limited participant on Monday's injury report, and he may be able to avoid missing the Week 3 divisional battle at MetLife Stadium on September 19.
"We should be able to get him back on Thursday," said Saleh.
Carter initially injured the ankle during a July 31 practice in Florham Park. He did not appear in any preseason games and didn't return to full participation at practice until the last week in August.
The 25-year-old Carter has totaled five solo tackles over two appearances this season. Over 49 games as a Jet, he has allowed only three passing touchdowns.
