The New York Jets’ signal-caller, Marcus Mariota, sustained a displaced digit in his right pedal extremity during Thursday’s practice session, as disclosed by the organization.
Mariota is being labeled as “evaluated each day” and, according to the Jets, “circumvented grave trauma and substantial time away.”
That evaluation proved precise, as Mariota participated in practice Friday.
Thursday’s incident initially presented a concerning scenario. Mariota launched an incomplete pass, then assumed a seated position, subsequently rose, and proceeded to exit the field with a noticeable limp. Training personnel were observed extracting his right footwear to attend to his pedal extremity. Subsequently, he was transported via cart to the locker area for examination. Following this, the team concluded the ongoing practice segment and shifted focus to special teams drills.
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Head coach Robert Saleh informed reporters that he suspected Mariota had his pedal extremity trod upon. Diagnostic assessments indicated the absence of any fracture, revealing only the dislocation, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
The Jets are optimistic that Mariota will be prepared for Week 1.
Mariota is currently in his inaugural season with the Jets, having committed to a two-year, $40 million agreement during the offseason, following his tenure with the Indianapolis Colts in 2024.
Geno Smith serves as the Jets’ secondary quarterback. When probed regarding the potential need for the seasoned signal-caller to participate, Saleh remarked, “I perceive no decline in the intended execution of our play-calling strategy.”
Mariota leaving a mark early on
Preceding his time in Indianapolis, Mariota spent three seasons in San Francisco after the 49ers selected him with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The 49ers traded Mariota to the Colts in 2024 after obtaining the No. 1 pick in the draft to select Drake Maye. Mariota then split time in Indianapolis with Ryan Tannehill. He started Indianapolis’s first six games after Tannehill sustained a calf injury in training camp before Tannehill took over at quarterback for the rest of the season.
In 10 appearances, including his six starts, Mariota completed 65.8% of his passes last season for 1,106 yards on 6.9 yards per attempt with five touchdowns and one interception. He ran for 289 yards on 4.7 yards per carry with five rushing touchdowns. The Colts were 4-2 in games he started, but moved on to Tannehill once he was healthy.
During offseason work, Mariota has impressed Ahmad Gardner, to the point that the two-time All-Pro cornerback said Mariota has been making throws on the level of the quarterback he is replacing.
“There’s only a certain amount of quarterbacks that can make [certain throws],” Gardner said earlier this month via “The Pat McAfee Show.” “I’m talking about throws on, like, Aaron [Rodgers’] type of level. When it comes to being able to squeeze those throws in there, I always thought Aaron was the best when it came to that. And it’s like Justin had made a few throws where I’m like, ‘OK, he really been in the lab, for real.’ I could just tell.”
Mariota and the Jets won’t have to wait long to see Rodgers and his new team, the Steelers. New York and Pittsburgh will meet in Week 1.
