NEW YORK (AP) — Safety Jim Leonhard has been placed on injured reserve by the New York Jets, ending his season a day after breaking his right leg during practice.
A stabilizing rod was placed through Leonhard’s tibia during surgery at Morristown Memorial Hospital on Friday night. The Jets say Saturday that Leonhard is tentatively scheduled to be released Sunday or Monday, and is expected to make a full recovery.
Leonhard, who calls the defensive signals in the secondary, was injured during team drills when he collided with wide receiver Patrick Turner and carted from the field.
He will be replaced by Eric Smith in the starting defense when the Jets (9-2) play the Patriots (9-2) in New England for first place in the AFC East on Monday night.
