Steelers Now
The New York Jets have a big hole to fill just days before their Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers just got a significant advantage for their Week 1 matchup against the New York Jets.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker suffered a potentially serious injury and could miss significant time. He is getting a second opinion on whether or not he needs surgery, but his chances of playing this week seem to be slim to none.
Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker has suffered a potentially serious injury and could miss significant time, source says.
New York’s offensive line takes a hit ahead of its Week 1 game against the Steelers. Vera-Tucker was just named a captain for Aaron Glenn. pic.twitter.com/HZYx0DCF8z
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) September 3, 2025
Vera-Tucker, who was just named a team captain under new head coach Aaron Glenn, was slated to start at right guard for New York, but Joe Tippmann or Josh Myers will now likely have to fill his void. It’s a big hole to fill, too, as Vera-Tucker stands at a massive 6-foot-5, 308 pounds.
The No. 14 overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft has struggled to stay healthy throughout his NFL career, but when he has been on the field, he’s been a key piece to the Jets offensive line.
Last season, Vera-Tucker allowed just four sacks in 916 offensive snaps played, according to Pro Football Focus.
Right guard isn’t the only spot New York will have a new starter at in Week 1, either. The team is also planning to start 2025 first-round pick Armand Membou at right tackle.
The Steelers, on the other hand, are entering the game with one of the best pass rushing units in the league. That means it could be a big day for linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith as well as defensive tackles Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton.
Pittsburgh racked up one sack, eight quarterback hits, five tackles for a loss, two interceptions and six passes defensed against the Jets last season. The team could now have an even more productive outing this time around.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Jets Lose Massive Piece on Offense Ahead of Steelers Matchup
