The New York Jets are down a key backup and in serious need of depth on their offensive line.
Citing a league source, the New York Daily News reported Tuesday that backup center Rob Turner suffered a broken leg in Monday night's game and is scheduled to undergo surgery. The team also lost reserve running back Joe McKnight, who's believed to have suffered a concussion.
Turner is projected to miss eight to 10 weeks following surgery and rehabilitation, according to a source.
Turner was hurt during New York's 20-16 loss at Houston, the teams' preseason opener. Turner started at center for the injured Nick Mangold and was hurt in the first quarter when the Texans' J.J. Watt rolled into his right leg from behind. Turner was carted off the field.
While he's not a starter, Turner is a major contributor to a unit that has been ranked among the NFL's best for the last few seasons. He is the Jets' primary backup on the offensive line because of his ability to play multiple positions, including center, tackle, blocking tight end, and he even has lined up on defense in some goal-line situations.
The Jets re-signed Turner, a restricted free agent, to a one-year deal after the lockout ended last month.
Mangold suffered a stinger in practice last week and didn't make the trip with the team to Houston, but he should be fine. The Jets also played without starting right guard Brandon Moore, who was just moved to the active roster from the physically unable to perform list following offseason hip surgery.
Wayne Hunter was another of the Jets' key backups in past seasons, but he has assumed the starting job at right tackle after Damien Woody retired. Vladimir Ducasse, New York's second-round draft pick last year, is the Jets' only other lineman with experience, and he has struggled in limited action. In fact, Ducasse was beaten by Watt during the play on which Turner was injured.
The Jets could be in the market for an experienced backup now, but the market is thin. Former New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara and guard Rich Seubert are free agents, as well as former Pittsburgh Steelers guard/tackle Trai Essex and former Philadelphia Eagles guard/center Nick Cole.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
