Brian Costello of the NY Post is reporting that New York Jets guard Alan Faneca has broken the middle finger of his left hand.
He sat out today’s practice at Hofstra University.
The injury will also keep Faneca sidelined for Friday’s preseason opener along with fellow starters Damien Woody and Nick Mangold.
I wouldn’t think this is going to be a devastating injury in the long run but with 3 starters now out on the offensive line, I highly doubt we will be enjoying this first preseason game like we all hoped too.
Our QB contenders, rookie Mark Sanchez and veteran Kellen Clemens, need all the help that the O-line can give if they are to be successful. These injuries, while minor and early enough in the season to be of little concern, could well expose our Achilles Tendon with depth.
How important is Faneca to the Jets line? With Faneca’s skill set on the field, the Jets finished the 2008 season ninth in rushing in the NFL (125.3 per game) and fifth in yards per carry (4.7). A performance that got Faneca voted to the Pro Bowl as a starter for the eighth consecutive season.
This match up with the St. Louis Rams could be a peek at what Sanchez may likely face should there be a significant injury during the season. I just hope he doesn’t have to deal with three starters out in earnest due to injury this season.
While it isn’t the most desirable situation for us, I am looking at this as an opportunity for our second stringers to step up and show us what they’ve got.
Let’s all hope they have a lot to show.
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