Greg Zuerlein’s surprise injury has Jets scrambling for kicking backup plan

The Jets’ ability to generate points already took a hit Monday when Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles, and now, they might have a kicking problem, too.

Greg Zuerlein won’t practice Friday due a groin injury suffered in practice Thursday, head coach Robert Saleh said, and he’s “50/50” for their game Sunday against the Cowboys.

He wasn’t previously on the injury report since they didn’t know the injury’s details until after the report had been finalized. 

The Jets will work out kickers Friday in case Zuerlein can’t play Sunday.

“It’s not serious,” Saleh said, “but serious enough to bring this game in question.”

Zuerlein made all three field goals — from 26, 43 and 30 yards — in the Jets’ 22-16 victory over the Bills on Monday, as well as their lone extra point.

The 35-year-old, in his second season with Gang Green, converted his field goals and extra points at 81.1 percent and 96.6 percent clips, respectively, in 2022.


Jets place kicker Greg Zuerlein (9) heads out to the practice field
Greg Zuerlein was a surprise addition to the Jets’ injury report.
Bill Kostroun/New York Post

When asked what kind of a curveball this throws at the Jets late in the week, given everything that’s already unfolded since their season began, Saleh said it’s “more like a knuckleball.”

“Joe [Douglas] and the staff, they’re on it, to get all these kickers in for a workout to see which one would be best available come Sunday,” Saleh said. “But gotta roll with the punches.”

Zach Wilson — the former No. 2 overall pick in 2021 who lost his starting job last season — inherits Nathaniel Hackett’s offense ahead of their game against Zuerlein’s former team in Dallas.


Jets place kicker Greg Zuerlein #9 kicks a field goal during the 3rd quarter.
Zuerlein made all his kicks in the Jets’ season-opening win over the Bills.
Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Tackles Duane Brown (shoulder) and Mekhi Becton (knee), as well as running back Breece Hall (knee), were the three names on the Jets’ injury report Thursday, but Saleh said they’ll be full participants Friday after consecutive limited sessions.

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