New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh announced on Wednesday that wide receiver Elijah Moore is dealing with a quad injury that kept him out of practice and will sideline him on a day-to-day basis.
Saleh added that they’re hoping he can play on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, but they’ll no more as the week progresses.
The rookie second-round pick out of Ole Miss has hit his stride over the last few weeks, recording five touchdowns in his last five games. No other wide receiver in the NFL has recorded that many receiving scores during that same span.
It’s also already the third-most receiving touchdowns by a rookie in Jets franchise history, trailing only Rob Moore (six in 1990) and Keyshawn Johnson (eight in 1996).
He continues to win the trust of the Jets as a legitimate offensive threat as his last six games have been a promising indicator of things to come, hauling in 34 receptions on 51 targets for 459 yards and those five scores.
On top of that, he’s building a strong bond with fellow rookie and Jets quarterback Zach Wilson.
“He’s a great player. He’s doing a great job,” Wilson said. “It’s not like I’m out there saying ‘Where’s E-Moore?’ He’s doing his role as far as taking advantage of his opportunities, getting open… I feel like our connection is going to get even better.”
Moore has even won the admiration of some division rivals.
“He’s going to be special in this league,” Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard said last month. “He’s a smaller guy, quick guy. He made some tough catches out there, and I respect his game.”
His presence will be paramount to the Jets’ chances of contending with New Orleans come Sunday, though. The Saints’ pass defense is an active unit, tied for fifth in the NFL with 14 interceptions this season. But they are susceptible to being carved open.
Their 6.8 net yards per attempt allowed is tied for seventh-most in the league while they are one of 11 teams this season who have allowed over 3,000 passing yards already.
If Moore is unable to go, that’s a sizable void that an inconsistent Jets offense would have to try and fill.
