Promising Jets RB Michael Carter out with high ankle sprain

As one very important Jets rookie nears a return, another valuable one will be sidelined multiple weeks.

Quarterback Zach Wilson has a chance to play Sunday in Houston, but promising running back Michael Carter will miss at least "a couple of weeks" after suffering a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins.

Robert Saleh said it could be two to four weeks, but the Jets believe it’s "very mild, very low grade" and will know more about his timetable by the end of the week.

Carter, a fourth-round pick out of North Carolina, has been one of the Jets’ best offensive players. He leads the team in scrimmage yards (738) and rushing yards (430) and is tied for second with four touchdowns.

"He’s been getting better every week, and every time he touches the ball, he makes someone miss," Saleh said during a Monday Zoom call. "If the O-line blocks a run for nothing, he’s finding 3 [yards]. If they block for 5, he’s finding 8, 9, 10.

"He’s so dynamic with the ball in his hands. Him missing this time where he can get better obviously is a blow for him. Hopefully we can get him back before the end of the season to get him some more playing time so he can continue to rack up those reps and hit the ground running this offseason."

Saleh said the Jets will have a decision on Wilson’s status before they take the practice field on Wednesday. He is trending toward returning from a knee sprain when the 2-8 Jets face the 2-8 Texans.

Wilson, who has missed the last four games, participated in practice the past two weeks. Saleh said he went through "a really good workout" Sunday and that his knee was being evaluated by the medical staff. Wilson will go through another workout Tuesday and get checked again.

"We’ll be able to make a decision Wednesday morning," Saleh said.

Wilson sprained his PCL on Oct. 24 in New England. The timetable was two to four weeks, but the Jets were always going to be cautious with their prized quarterback, taken with the No. 2 overall pick.

"We’re going to make sure we protect this young man," Saleh said. "When he is fully healthy and he feels like there’s no limitations in his ability to play football, where he’s not thinking about that knee, we’ll get him out there. But he’s got to be 100% healthy before we get him out on the football field."

Mike White started three games in Wilson’s absence and Joe Flacco started against Miami. Practice squad quarterback Josh Johnson got in two games. All three were successful running the offense.

If nothing else, Wilson was able to watch how the three operated in the system. The Jets hope that will help him because he struggled in his first six NFL games. He threw four touchdown passes and was intercepted nine times.

"We still think our quarterback is going to be special," Saleh said.

The Jets are very encouraged by this draft class as a whole. Carter has been a pleasant surprise during an unpleasant season for the Jets. He’s proving himself as a dual-threat back, but Saleh believes the Jets have enough in the running back room and that other players will step in and step up.

Ty Johnson and Tevin Coleman are expected to carry the load. The Jets also could sprinkle in second-year pro La’Mical Perine, who has just one rush for 3 yards this season.

"They’ll step up," Saleh said. "They’ll be able to handle the load. But Michael, he’s one of those young [bright] spots I’m talking about.

"We’re going to make sure that he is healthy. Another young man, we’re going to make sure that ankle is fully healthy before we rush him back."