“It’s time for us to respond.” This is what the Jets’ LB CJ Mosley said ahead of the Patriots clash. But maybe Mosley spoke too soon because his game ended before it even began.

According to on-ground reports, Mosley’s game was cut short due to a neck injury in the warm-ups—leaving fans wondering if he’ll make a return. Initially, it was questionable—so some hope was there. But here’s the kicker: the Jets confirmed that he was ruled out.

Yep, you read that right. Mosley was sidelined right out of the gate, reportedly tweaking his neck during pregame warmups. Talk about bad timing. Chazz Surratt stepped in as the middle linebacker for the Gang Green as Mosley stayed on the sideline.

With him out? Yeah, that’s a long day for the Jets’ defense. And they could be in for a rough ride. Let’s see if they can hold their own without their key playmaker or if this setback will come back to haunt them. Realistically, it shouldn’t be an issue against an equally shocking Pats offense. However, you can never predict it.

But you have got to feel for the veteran. He’s been (arguably) the bright spot in what’s been a rough defensive season for the Jets. Yet he can’t seem to catch a break with these injuries.

CJ Mosley’s run with the injury woes this season

It’s been a rough season start for CJ Mosley. First, it was the toe injury in week 2 against the Titans. And now, this. But let us tell you, that setback against Tennessee? Yeah, it kept him sidelined for the first Patriots matchup and two more games before he finally made his return against Buffalo.

But last week against Pittsburgh, Mosley was back to doing what he does best—racking up five solid tackles and reminding everyone why he’s the Jets’ defensive cornerstone.

Call it déjà vu, and he experienced the curse of the Pats again during the warmups, which led to him being sidelined again! But Mosley wasn’t the only one missing from the field. The Jets had a stacked inactive list, Ft. right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, tight end Kenny Yeboah (still working his way back from an abdomen injury), and more—including, Tony Adams, Ashtyn Davis, Leki Fotu, Izzy, and Carter Warren.

The Jets are moving pieces around like a chessboard, even activating Haason Reddick, who wasted no time pressuring Patriots’ QB Drake Maye on his first possession. But no matter who they shuffle in, it’s Mosley who leaves the biggest gap when he’s out. A five-time Pro Bowler, second-team All-Pro, and the heart of this defense since joining in 2019, Mosley is more than a stat sheet. He’s a presence.

However, that’s football. Injuries are part of the game. And the Jets must take this one on the chin and fly through this storm like a real Gang!