The Jets will be without running back Leon Washington for an extended period of time after he suffered a brutal right leg injury at Oakland. Washington was injured on a six-yard carry -- his only rush of the game -- when an Oakland player rolled onto his ankle, causing his lower leg to bend in awkward fashion.
Washington appeared to be in tremendous pain after the play and was eventually carted off. According to the Associated Press, Washington suffered a broken fibula and underwent surgery immediately after the Jets' 38-0 win. Teammates said the bone broke right through the skin.
"That's unfortunate," coach Rex Ryan said. "It's obviously a severe injury, but hopefully he'll be joining us sooner than later."
Thomas Jones will stay New York's No. 1 back, and rookie Shonn Greene's responsibilities will increase from here out. Greene rushed for 144 yards and two touchdowns in Washington's absence.
"Anytime we have a game like that, you want to cherish and enjoy it, but it's kind of hard to do that with Leon's injury," Jones said. "I think a lot of the team is devastated. He's one of my best friends. He's a great teammate and a great person. From the time he left the game, every couple plays I kept thinking about him. I haven't stopped thinking about it, and my prayers are going out to his family."
Unfortunately for Washington, he's a free agent at the end of this year. If he misses the remainder of the season, it will make it difficult for him to land a nice deal for 2010 -- a reality that would be doubly painful for Washington since he spent the offseason trying to convince the Jets to give him a new deal.
Washington has been an important part of the Jets' offense for the past four seasons, especially as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Through six games, Washington had carried the ball 71 times for 325 yards and caught 15 passes for 131 yards.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
10-25-2009 @ 9:25PM
skippyv40 said...
Shonn will welcome his additional duties with open arms.His performance today was enough proof for me....
Reply
10-26-2009 @ 3:51AM
Bob said...
This is indeed a REAL shame for Leon. This kid has been playing his heart out for the Jets, and now when he's finally due to be paid, bam...
I hope the Jets do the right thing by him!
Reply
10-26-2009 @ 8:34AM
trohl75949 said...
I hope, too, that big business and the bottom line is not the main motivator here and the jets can prove wrong my conviction that the corporate body has no soul. It's a sickness that has become an epidemic throughout businesses in America. Things need to change. They need to see Washington as more than a commodity.
10-26-2009 @ 10:44AM
mike said...
I hope they do too. But Leon had a chance to take $5 million before the season, and $5 million more in injury insurance coverage. He opted to take a chance on getting more later, and settled for $500,000.
I think the Jets will do the right thing, but what exactly that might be is a bit fuzzy.
10-26-2009 @ 1:55PM
Tracy!! said...
Unfortunately, the decision won't be made by the Jets coaches or officials, but by the NFL franchise big wigs and it's all about money for them. The NFL is a business. They couldn't care less about someone's career or even their life for that matter. You can forget the franchise wanting to do right by Washington. They'll make the decision based on how much money he can make for them. The goods news: Washington's past performance with the Jets [may] prove enough evidence for his return.
10-26-2009 @ 6:36AM
puppets123 said...
This is a shame leon always had his heart in the game.the jets are looking good this year they just need too stop getting hurt with the main guys that count.
Reply
10-26-2009 @ 6:40AM
longball1317 said...
ahhhh boohoo!!!!! hey gues what leon, im 13 years old and i broke my ***femur*** playing football! when you brake the hardest bone in your body, come let me know!
Reply
10-26-2009 @ 7:01AM
backspace2k5 said...
who cares hater
10-26-2009 @ 7:15AM
hofflersgirl said...
You should spend more time on your school work and less on football. Maybe then you will be able to spell break correctly.
10-26-2009 @ 7:30AM
tfcrow said...
You break your femur. Your car has brakes. Go back to your trailer and order
hooked on phonics.
10-26-2009 @ 8:16AM
jmacri4751 said...
OK longball1317 it's "break" not "brake" your femur. Try paying attention in English class (do they still even teach English in school anymore?).
10-26-2009 @ 8:18AM
naufrichtig said...
Based on your comment, it appears you suffered a pretty severe blow to your skull as well. Any brains you may have been born with probably spilled out all over the field. "Boo-hoo" to you. God bless Leon Washington and his family. He is a good player and a good example.
10-26-2009 @ 8:35AM
Jessie Phillips said...
maybe if you didn't have such brittle bones
10-26-2009 @ 9:26AM
S Camferdam said...
Listen MR. 13 year old. you are not as old as Leon is. It is different being older. My two year old broke her femure. You are no one special. You should just hope he gets beter. You seem like a spoiled young teenager.
10-26-2009 @ 9:35AM
dirtyjerseyautoc said...
Its break not brake, also I am sorry your broke a portion of your leg, but Don't act like a child because he is a pro and you never will be. I give credit to all NFL players they are a elite group who have talents normal people dont.
10-26-2009 @ 10:16AM
reste0123 said...
The difference between YOU and Leon is, YOU don't matter to anyone, Leon matters to HIS fans and team. If and when YOU should get to Leon's level YOU come and LET ALL of US KNOW. Now get back in your cabin and close the door...AS* Wipe
10-26-2009 @ 10:22AM
Sieben said...
you can't be so STUPID so soon
10-26-2009 @ 10:42AM
cgbwwb said...
I weep for the future...
10-26-2009 @ 10:54AM
philliesxxfinest said...
wow man really?? nobody is impressed. who cares about you? you are nobody.
10-26-2009 @ 11:01AM
genelord said...
MMM, The hardest bone in "Your" body must be your head. That's that lump 3 feet above your @ss.