Jets CB Dexter McDougle suffers torn ACL at practice

The Jets announced that third round pick and cornerback Dexter McDougle suffered a torn ACL at practice, which will cause him to miss the season.  McDougle missed most of his senior season at Maryland with a shoulder injury, but showed talent and athleticism in the small sample size he was able to put on film.  Unfortunately for the Jets, this hurts their depth at corner this year and while details have not emerged, Dee Milliner is also reportedly hurt.

McDougle was competing for a spot in the rotation at corner with the chance to end up as low as the dime and as high as starting opposite Milliner.  The remaining corners other than Milliner include Kyle Wilson, Darrin Walls and Dmitri Patterson among others to play an incredibly important role in Rex Ryan’s defense.  Ryan puts a significant focus and is constantly looking to add and bring in more corner talent, which has been able to survive and play well through difficult circumstances including the loss of Darrelle Revis both to injury and then trade.

McDougle has talent and upside, but unfortunately injuries have been a notable part of his career.  The injuries have generally been to different parts of his body, so it might be a case of bad luck as opposed to a repetitive issue that will derail his career before it starts; at least the Jets hope that is the case.  If McDougle can rehab from the injury well, he should be ready to go in time for the offseason next year and not be too physically compromised to help the team next season.