New York Jets Lose Franchise Safety Marcus Maye For '3-4 Weeks' With Ankle Injury

The new Robert Saleh regime in New York is officially on hold now that the New York Jets have lost another top defensive talent to injury.

On Wednesday, it was announced that safety Marcus Maye will be sidelined for up to four weeks because of an ankle injury he sustained during Week 3's loss to the Denver Broncos. Maye is on a recovery timeline of "3-4 weeks," which means he will likely return after the Week 6 bye.

Maye was the complementary piece to fellow 2017 Jets draft pick Jamal Adams — Adams selected in the first round, Maye in the second — and the two safeties combined for a solid, young pass defense. Adams' departure to the Seahawks in 2020 allowed Maye to post a career-high 88 tackles last season — adding two interceptions and two sacks. Maye recorded 23 tackles and one sack through three weeks in 2021.

"Marcus is a valuable member of this organization," commented general manager Joe Douglas regarding his top safety, currently subject to the team's 2021 franchise tag. "Someone that started his career here, someone that's been a pro's pro. He's smart, reliable and has provided outstanding leadership. Our plan hasn't changed. We're in the process of working to have Marcus be here long term."

According to the injury report, via ESPN's Rich Cimini, Maye's agent commented on the injury timeline by adding that the player will be in full health before the NFL's trade deadline on Nov. 4 — a reminder that the four-year safety does not have a long-term deal in place.

Lamarcus Joyner, Jarrad Davis and Carl Lawson are all done for the year, and Mekhi Becton's own injury timeline has stunted the offense. So as of now, the season ahead for rookie coach Saleh looks bleak — thanks to a deficient cast of Jets players.

The Jets join the crosstown rival New York Giants with an 0-3 start to the 2021-22 season. Despite their roster woes, the Jets face a favorable stretch of opponents ahead: the Falcons, Patriots, Bengals and the Colts.

New York will take on the Tennessee Titans, a team in danger of missing its top two receivers, AJ Brown and Julio Jones due to hamstring injuries, on Sunday.

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