The second level of the Jets’ defense will be shorthanded for a notable period. Linebacker Quincy Williams is headed to injured reserve, as first reported by ESPN’s Rich Cimini. The team has since confirmed the news. 
Today’s news ensures Williams will miss at least the next four games. The 29-year-old is dealing with a shoulder injury, and he will be sidelined for a stretch. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Williams is not in danger of missing the remainder of the season but this shift to IR is a sign a lengthy absence is in store.
Williams was not among the Jets who received an extension this offseason, but the 2023 All-Pro had $1.5MM in incentives added to his pact in August. Reaching those targets will now be much more difficult with missed time set to occur. New York will also be without an impact starter for the time being. Since being claimed off waivers in 2021, Williams has served as a full-time starter and remained highly consistent. He is a pending free agent.
The Jets’ linebacking core will also be without Marcelino McCrary-Ball for the time being. The third-year special teams contributor has also been placed on IR. Cimini notes he suffered a hamstring injury on Sunday. McCrary-Ball has only logged 80 career snaps on defense in his career, but his third phase ability will be missed while also leaving New York without another linebacker option.
To help compensate for their losses, the Jets are looking to an AFC East rival for help at the LB position. Mark Robinson has been signed off the Patriots’ practice squad. The 26-year-old was among the Steelers’ final roster cuts in August, ending his three-year run in Pittsburgh. Robinson quickly landed in New England, and he was a gameday elevation for each of the team’s three games this season. The Patriots would have needed to promote the former seventh-rounder to the active roster for at least one week to continue playing him, but that will no longer be possible.
Robinson handled a part-time defensive role in 2023, but since then he has played all-but exclusively on special teams. A third phase workload can be expected with the Jets, especially given the McCrary-Ball injury. It will be interesting to see how the Jets’ defense fares without Williams available, though.
Yikes, that’s a rough piece to lose from a defense that’s already sputtering.