New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie is expected to get an MRI Monday morning, and the team is bracing itself for an ACL and/or MCL injury, according to Mike Florio of NBC Sports.
Cromartie and Darrelle Revis reunited in New York this offseason to recreate their dominant secondary. The only issue, though, is that Cromatie was injured on a non-contact play in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns. The Jets went on to win the game 31-10 but may have lost a top defensive player in the process. Some players thought the injury was severe and possibly season- ending, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.
Cromartie needed help from two trainers to get off the field and was eventually carted into the locker room.
"It's a big blow because he's a good player," said Jets head coach Todd Bowles, via ESPN. "We brought him in here to be a good player, but we have lots of young guys behind him. We have a lot of good corners. It's one of our deepest positions."
Marcus Williams replaced the injured Cromartie and stepped up, making three tackles as well as an interception. Williams will likely have to play big the next couple weeks, as it doesn't look like Cromartie's injury will be anything short-term.
The Jets signed Cromartie to a four-year, $32 million contract, and were likely expecting big things from the top corner. Cromartie has 31 interceptions in his career, and defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers will need other players to step up in his absence. The Jets play the Colts next Monday, and defending quarterback Andrew Luck and that offense is a challenge for any team.