The New York Jets’ 0-6 skid is hard enough to watch. They’ve been gasping for air after one of the worst offensive showings in recent memory. Their quarterback, Justin Fields, had -10 passing yards against the Denver Broncos in London. And now losing their best offensive weapon only adds salt to the wound.

The Jets can officially cross Garrett Wilson off the lineup for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers. The star wideout, nursing a knee injury from last week’s London loss, didn’t practice all week and is now confirmed out, sources tell CBS Sports. Wilson’s absence marks his first missed game in four seasons.

Wilson was injured in that embarrassing loss to the Denver Broncos, and while it’s not a season-ending injury, he definitely won’t be suiting up in Week 7. It’s a heavy blow for an offense starved of playmakers, forcing Fields to shuffle his targets toward Mason Taylor, Josh Reynolds, Arian Smith, and Allen Lazard. 

However, head coach Aaron Glenn’s cautious optimism reflects the fluid injury status. “We’ll see how he progresses,” Glenn said midweek before the decision was made clear. The MRI confirmed the hyperextension, a knee injury serious enough to warrant rest but thankfully not catastrophic.

For a player who’s hauled in 36 catches for 395 yards and four touchdowns this year despite the offensive mess, missing him hurts, no doubt. But looking ahead, the Jets have reason to hope Wilson’s injury won’t drag on too long.

When will Garrett Wilson be back to play?

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported he avoided serious structural damage, expecting Wilson to miss “a couple of weeks” from the hyperextension. The timing, with a bye week on November 9 against the Cleveland Browns looming, is almost ideal.

Wilson’s injury timing is rough but manageable in the big picture. The bye week serves as a natural recovery buffer, making it smart roster management not to rush him back prematurely.

It suggests Wilson could be back healthy and ready to contribute in early November, giving the Jets a potential boost as they try to salvage their season. However, some sources suggest he might be back against the Cincinnati Bengals next week if all goes well.

For now, though, patience is the name of the game. Wilson is sidelined for Week 7, a major blow but far from season-ending news. But if all goes well, Wilson’s star should be back shining soon, ready to ignite the Jets’ offense when they need him most.