Laurent Duvernay-Tardif works out at Jets facility, could be added for OL depth
Jets offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif speaks to reporters at the team's facility in Florham Park, N.J., on Nov. 24, 2021. Credit: AP/Dennis Waszak Jr.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – The Jets are considering bringing back Laurent Duvernay-Tardif for offensive line depth for the stretch run.
The veteran right guard worked out for the Jets at their facility on Wednesday. He was seen in the Jets’ locker room talking to some of the guys he played with the second half of last season.
Duvernay-Tardif, who has a medical doctorate, put his NFL career on temporary hold to begin a residency program in Montreal-area hospital. He completed that and would like to return to football.
“LDT was such a great asset to us last year and he did such a great job,” Robert Saleh said. “I know he wanted an opportunity to come out and work out. We’ll see how that goes and we’ll make a decision.”
The Jets acquired Duvernay-Tardif from Kansas City last November. He started seven games at right guard for the Jets. Nate Herbig has started the last six games there, and the Jets are high on him.
The offensive line has been hit hard by injuries this season. Two players are out for the seasons (Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker). Two others are on short-term IR (Max Mitchell and George Fant).
General manager Joe Douglas, a former offensive lineman, believes you can never have enough depth up front. Saleh joked, “If he could have 53 offensive linemen on the team he would.”
Herbig missed practice Wednesday with a shin issue, but Saleh believes he will play Sunday. The Jets opened Mitchell’s 21-day window to be activated from IR. Until he is, Cedric Ogbuehi will start at right tackle.
Moore’s inside move
Elijah Moore has been playing in the slot more recently - that will continue. It was done because of rookie Garrett Wilson’s emergence playing on the outside and to give Moore additional opportunities. Moore, who has no catches in the last three games, requested a trade over his lack of involvement in the offense.
“He’s not making an official move to the slot,” Saleh said. “It’s just a lot more opportunities in the slot. We’re trying to utilize him in the best positions to be successful.”
Two-minute drill
Corey Davis (knee) remains out of practice. Saleh said Davis still “has a chance” to play Sunday. Davis needs to get on the field first. He hasn’t practiced or played since injuring his knee Week 7 at Denver … Sheldon Rankins (elbow) already was declared out this week, but Saleh is “pretty confident” Rankins won’t need to be placed on IR, which would sideline him a minimum of four games.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
