Jets safety Marcus Maye expected to miss 3-4 weeks with ankle injury

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Marcus Maye suffered an ankle injury in Sunday’s loss in Denver and is expected to miss 3-4 weeks, a league source confirmed.

"Should be back fully healthy just before the trade deadline," Maye’s agent Erik Burkhardt tweeted.

It’s no secret Maye is unhappy he’s playing this season under a franchise tag and that a long-term deal couldn’t be worked out with the Jets. But his injury is a big hit to a young defense that already is missing key players.

The Jets lost starting safety LaMarcus Joyner for the season with a triceps injury in Week 1. With Maye down, that leaves Adrian Colbert and Jarrod Wilson as the only healthy safeties on the roster.

Ashtyn Davis and Sharrod Neasman returned to practice Wednesday from injured reserve. It’s possible that one or both could be activated for Sunday’s game against Titans, but that depends on how they look and feel in practice. Davis, a third-round pick last year, is recovering from a foot injury that cut his rookie season short. The Jets have 21 days to activate both players.

Another possibility is elevating Sheldrick Redwine from the practice team.

Smith concussed in crash

Receiver Jeff Smith was in a car accident on his way to the practice facility Wednesday morning and suffered a concussion. It’s doubtful he will play Sunday. The Jets already are expected to be without Elijah Moore, who is in the concussion protocol.

But slot receiver Jamison Crowder is nearing his return after missing the first three games because of COVID-19 and a groin issue.

Coach Robert Saleh said Crowder is "trending" toward playing this week, and they’re "expecting him" to play. Crowder was limited in practice Wednesday after sitting out all of last week.

The door now could be open for Denzel Mims to be active Sunday. Mims, who was inactive the past two games, would be the Jets’ fourth or fifth receiver, depending on Crowder’s status.

Defending LaFleur

Saleh came to the defense of offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, saying there is "thoughtfulness" in his play-calling and eventually everyone will "appreciate" what he’s doing.

LaFleur, a first-time offensive coordinator, has received criticism for overseeing the NFL’s worst offense. The Jets have scored just 20 points through three games and haven’t gotten in the end zone in the last two.

"I thought he’s done a good job," Saleh said. "When things work, you’re a genius. When they don’t, you’re an idiot. That’s what it is. That’s the NFL, forever and a day."

LaFleur, whose brother Matt is the Packers head coach, was the 49ers passing game coordinator the past two seasons. Like rookie qaurterabck Zach Wilson, LaFleur is going through growing pains.

"Are there things that he needs to fix? Absolutely," Saleh said. "There’s a couple of things where there’s no need to put the offense in the situation with a certain play call. At the same time, he’s also putting the offense in situations to be successful. Once it all clicks people will start to appreciate the job he’s doing."

situation with a certain play call. At the same time, he’s also putting the offense in situations to be successful. Once it all clicks people will start to appreciate the job he’s doing."