The injury bug has reared its head in New York as the Jets prepare for one of their most anticipated seasons in recent years.
An MRI confirmed Chuck Clark has suffered a torn ACL, and the veteran safety will miss the 2023 season, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday, per a source.
Clark injured his knee during the final week of practice during voluntary organized team activities. Rapoport added that Clark sought a second opinion on the matter, and the injury explains why the Jets signed veteran Adrian Amos that same week.
The Jets acquired Clark in a trade with the Ravens in March, sending a 2024 seventh-round pick to Baltimore. New York made waves the following month in trading for four-time most valuable player quarterback Aaron Rodgers, which effectively turned the Jets into one of the league's top contenders in 2023.
Clark was a three-year starter for the Ravens before the trade to New York. He missed just one game during that span, notching three interceptions, 20 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 2.5 sacks and two defensive touchdown scores in 49 games.
The 28-year-old was an ideal fit for a budding Jets secondary that's brimming with opportunity behind Robert Saleh's aggressive defense. Amos, 30, has eight years of starting experience and should be a solid replacement alongside Jordan Whitehead at safety.
Clark's injury could complicate his future in New York, however, as he enters the final year of his current contract. Following a splashy offseason, Thursday's news is an unfortunate blow for the Jets, but there is ample time to adjust from the loss with training camp ahead.