The New York Jets’ worst fears were confirmed on Monday: star cornerback Darrell Revis suffered a torn the ACL in his left knee Sunday against the in the Miami Dolphins, requiring season-ending surgery.
Revis, considered the top cover defensive back in the NFL, underwent an MRI exam Monday morning, after being carted off the field in the third quarter Sunday. It was a a non-contact injury that occurred when he was trying to tackle running back Daniel Thomas, who had caught a screen pass. The team was fearful of this result and really not surprised it.
But make no mistake about it: it is a crushing blow to the Jets’ defense, which already is off to a slow start. They’re ranked 21st in yards allowed. Not only was Revis the shut down corner every team needs, but he was a strong leader in the locker room that many players looked to for advice and guidance.
A somber coach Rex Ryan wouldn’t definitively rule Revis out for the season Monday, saying he just found out about the results of the MRI exam. But Revis will have to wait two or three weeks before having surgery, Ryan said, and the recovery from an ACL tear is normally between six and nine months. If Revis plays this season it would be among the quickest recoveries from that injury on record.
“It’s just disappointing,” Ryan said. “This guy wants to win. As great a player as he is individually, he’s a great teammate and just wants to win. That’s why he was so excited about this year.”
Kyle Wilson, the team’s first-round draft pick in 2010, will now step into Revis’ starting role opposite Antonio Cromartie.
Still, Ryan said he believes his team has enough to challenge for the Super Bowl championship.
“It never happens,” Ryan said. “We have enough to get it done here. … We’ll find a way to get this done.”
