New York Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams will be a game-time decision for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams due to a hamstring injury that kept him out of practice all week.
Williams, a two-time Pro Bowl selection with six sacks this season, was injured during the Jets’ 32-25 win at Jacksonville last Sunday. New York listed him as questionable for the game in their final injury report on Friday.
“We’re going to push it with Quinnen,” said interim coach Jeff Ulbrich. “We think he’s got a chance.”
During practice on Friday, Williams worked with the trainers in the rehabilitation area. Normally, players who don’t practice at all during the final session before a game don’t play, but Ulbrich said that this situation is different for Williams.
“If there’s a guy that can play without practicing, it’s him,” Ulbrich said, adding that the nature of Williams’ position is a factor.
“They just don’t open their stride up as much as other athletes on the field, so if there is a place that you can get away with having a hamstring (injury), that’s it,” Ulbrich said. “Saying that, at the same time, the extent of the injury — we’ve just got to make sure he can protect himself and play the best version of football for himself.”
Ulbrich added, “So, next couple days, we’ll collect that information and make a decision that’s best for him and for us.”
While Williams’ status remains unclear, nickel cornerback Michael Carter II has been ruled out due to a back injury.
“Yeah, it’s frustrating on so many counts, not just for him, but for us,” Ulbrich said. “He’s a guy that we count on. He unlocks our defense in a lot of ways because he’s the facilitator at the second level that really connects the safeties and the corners with the linebackers in the front.”
Carter will likely be replaced by Isaiah Oliver, who will join cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed — who will play after missing last week with a groin injury — to help defend Rams star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.
Right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle), running back Braelon Allen (back), and defensive tackle Leki Fotu (knee) were all listed as questionable but fully practiced on Friday.
Fotu, who has missed the last seven games, had his 21-day practice window opened earlier this week and could be activated from injured reserve to play Sunday. This would be his second stint this season after missing the first five games with a hamstring injury.
“He does have a chance, especially with the Quinnen injury,” Ulbrich said. “Had a good week of practice.”
