Reports: Jets G Alijah Vera-Tucker (arm) facing long absence

Field Level Media|published: Wed 3rd September, 10:52 2025

Jul 24, 2025; Florham Park, NY, USA; New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) speaks to the media during training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

New York Jets right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker sustained an injury that could keep him out for a "significant time," The Athletic reported Wednesday.

ESPN reported it is an arm injury for Vera-Tucker, selected by the Jets with the 14th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. ESPN further said the 26-year-old is seeking more opinions as to whether he will need surgery.

He was named a team captain on Monday, and it was not clear when or how the injury occurred.

Vera-Tucker, who played in college at Southern California, has been prone to injuries in his career. After playing in, and starting, 16 games as a rookie, he played only a combined 12 in the following two seasons due to torn triceps in 2022 and a torn Achilles in 2023.

Last season, Vera-Tucker appeared in 15 games. He has started all 43 of his NFL games and has 10 career penalties.

While Xavier Newman is listed as Vera-Tucker's backup on New York's unofficial depth chart, it is possible center Joe Tippmann could move to right guard, with Josh Myers being plugged in at center.

He will earn $15.3 million this season on his fifth-year team option. He is set to become a free agent in 2026.

--Field Level Media