Alijah Vera-Tucker, the versatile player for the New York Jets, has showcased his ability to start games at various positions on the offensive line throughout his first three seasons with the team. However, the Jets have now decided to focus on keeping him in one position moving forward.
Head coach Robert Saleh acknowledged that Vera-Tucker’s versatility has been both a gift and a curse. In recent seasons, due to the team’s needs and a patchwork offensive line, he has frequently switched positions. While he has been a stabilizing force when on the field, Vera-Tucker has unfortunately suffered season-ending injuries in October for the past two years.
To prevent further injuries, Saleh believes it’s best to allow Vera-Tucker to focus on one position and avoid moving him around. Saleh expressed that the constant positional changes may have contributed to his injuries in previous seasons.
During his rookie year, Vera-Tucker started 16 games at left guard. However, over the next two seasons, he made only 12 appearances due to injuries. In 2022, he shifted to right guard to accommodate the signing of left guard Laken Tomlinson. Due to injuries to other players, Vera-Tucker unexpectedly started at left tackle in Week 4 and moved to right tackle in the following week before suffering an ACL tear in Denver.
In 2023, he began the season as the starting right guard but moved to right tackle in Week 3 when Mekhi Becton shifted to the left side. Unfortunately, Vera-Tucker’s season came to an end in Week 5 due to an Achilles tear.
Saleh emphasized that their priority is to keep Vera-Tucker healthy, which is why they have decided to keep him in one position. At the moment, that position is right guard. The Jets have revamped their offensive line by adding three new starters this offseason, with the expectation that Vera-Tucker will secure the right guard spot.
Saleh provided an update on Vera-Tucker’s progress, stating that he sees him working hard at the facility as he recovers from his second serious injury. Saleh expressed optimism that Vera-Tucker will be ready for Week 1 of the upcoming season.
