The Jets announced today that one of their starting offensive linemen will be sidelined for the rest of the season, confirming in a press release that right guard Willie Colon has been placed on injured reserve. With the newly-opened roster spot, the team activated cornerback Dee Milliner from IR-DTR.
Colon, who started all 32 of the Jets’ regular season games at right guard in 2013 and 2014, made six starts this year, but is currently on the shelf with a knee injury. It didn’t initially appear as though the injury was significant enough to be a season-ender, but by placing Colon on IR, the club made the decision to move on to backup Brian Winters for the second half.
Having signed a one-year deal with the Jets in March, Colon will now be eligible for free agency again this winter. That doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t be back with the team though — the veteran lineman has now played on three consecutive one-year contracts with New York.
As for Milliner, the former first-round pick returns to the Jets’ active roster after having recovered from a wrist injury. Even with Antonio Cromartie banged up and questionable to play Thursday, Milliner isn’t expected to receive a ton of playing time upon his return, with Buster Skrine or Marcus Williams likely to start opposite Darrelle Revis at cornerback.