Elijah McGuire Needs Surgery On Broken Foot, Timetable For His Return Gives Jets Options
New York Jets running back and former Louisiana Ragin' Cajun Elijah McGuire entered training camp last week with a defined roster spot, excited to begin his second season a a pro.
The Houma native suffered a setback this weekend, as he fractured his foot on the Jets first practice of the season Friday, according to multiple reports. He will undergo surgery this week.
McGuire could be a candidate for injured reserve-return designation. That option allows teams to place a player on IR at the beginning of the season, with the player being eligible to return to the team following week 8.
However, a player must be be on the initial 53 man roster entering week 1 to be eligible for the IR-return designation.
The timetable for McGuire's injury will be a major factor in the Jets' decision.
Expected rehab time for the injury McGuire suffered is 3 to 6 weeks.
Another option for the Jets regarding McGuire is the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. Players can only be placed on the PUP list prior to the start of the regular season.
PUP players can return to the team as early as week 7 of the regular season. During time on the PUP list, they do not practice with the team, and do not count against the 53 man roster.
The last, and perhaps best option for New York is to keep a roster spot for McGuire as he recovers. Based on the projected recovery time, he could conceivably be healthy enough to suit up when the regular season begins in 5 weeks.
Drafted in the 6th round in 2017, McGuire earned role of 3rd down back with the Jets as a rookie last season. He ended the year with 318 yards rushing,177 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns.