FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets linebacker Bryan Thomas is out for the season with a torn left Achilles tendon after suffering the injury in the team’s 34-17 loss at Baltimore on Sunday.
Thomas is in his 10th season with the Jets and their longest-tenured player, but is due to become a free agent after this season. While never a flashy player during his career, Thomas has been a key part of the defense and led Rex Ryan’s squad with six sacks last season.
Coach Rex Ryan says Monday Jamaal Westerman, Josh Mauga and the newly signed Aaron Maybin, who had his first NFL sack Sunday after two unproductive years in Buffalo, are candidates to replace Thomas. Ryan adds that he’s “not ready to anoint anyone as the starter there.”