Rob Turner out with broken leg
New York Jets offensive tackle Robert Turner is carted off the field after injuring his leg during the first quarter against the Houston Texans. (Aug. 15, 2011) Credit: AP
The Jets' offensive line depth has taken a serious hit.
Reserve Rob Turner suffered a broken right leg in last night's 20-16 preseason loss to the Texans at Reliant Stadium, a person familiar with situation confirmed. Rex Ryan is expected to address Turner's status tomorrow.
Turner, who underwent an MRI today, is the Jets' top backup offensive lineman and was starting at center with Pro Bowler Nick Mangold at home nursing a stinger. He was injured on the Jets' second possession of the game, in part because former second-round pick Vladimir Ducasse got beat by his man.
Texans defensive end J.J. Watt easily manuevered past Ducasse -- who started at right guard for Brandon Moore -- up the middle. Watt got a piece of Sanchez, causing him to step up in the pocket, and Watt fell just after his contact with Sanchez.
An unsuspecting Turner got tangled up with Watt and crumpled to the turf. He signaled to the sideline and he had to be carted off.
Turner's loss means the Jets are going to have to bring in someone to help fill that void. Former defensive lineman Matt Kroul has been learning how to play on the offensive line for the better part of a week, and found himself on the field against the Texans.
Following Monday's game, Ryan was none too pleased with the shape of the Jets' offensive line, even if they were without Mangold and normal right starter Brandon Moore.
"Clearly, we've got a long way to go with our protections," Ryan said. "Obviously, you don't have Mangold, you don't have Brandon Moore, Turner went out and all that. There are no excuses. When you are in there, we've got to figure this thing out. It's ridiculous. A simple nickel pressure and the guy isn't touched.
"One time we turned a defensive lineman loose. To say I'm disappointed with those things is an understatement."
