New York Jets places wide receiver Elijah Moore on injury reserve with quadriceps injury

FLORHAM PARK, NJ – New York Jets wide receiver Elijah Moore, the team’s best offensive player in recent weeks, was substituted on Saturday with a quadriceps injury.

This move came as a surprise.

Coach Robert Saleh expressed optimism this week that Moore will be able to play Sunday against New Orleans. But the injury got worse over the course of the week, a source said. The whole team is optimistic that he can return in the last two games. He has been listed as a suspect.

It means the Jets (3-9) will face the Saints at MetLife Stadium without their top two receivers and their top two riders.

At the beginning of the week, the recipients are wide Corey Davis was placed on the injury reserve following season-ending surgery to repair a core-muscle injury. Run back Michael Carter (ankle) is on standby and in reserve for injury Tevin Coleman was declared because he was in concussion protocol.

Moore, a second-round pick from Ole Miss, hasn’t trained for a whole week after injuring his quadriceps in last week’s loss to Philadelphia Eagles. He tested the quad on Friday in a side workout and it clearly didn’t respond well.

He was one of the few bright spots in the Jets’ dismal season. Before Thursday night’s game, Moore entered Week 14 with more touches (five) than any NFL wide receiver since Week 9. He’s fifth in yards received (392) ) in that period. Overall, Moore leads the Jet Force with 43 catches in 538 yards and five touchdowns.

Without Moore and Davis, the Jets’ external receivers would probably Keelan Cole and Denzel Mims, with Jamison Crowder in the trench. They will also use Braxton Berrios.

Vincent Smith and DJ Montgomery was also raised on Saturday to help recipients.

On Friday, back up Jeff Smith has been added to the COVID-19 list. When running again, Ty Johnson figures to make the most of carry-on, with Austin Walter and La’Mical Perine Also included in the mix.