Sources – Jets special teams star Justin Hardee out 4-6 weeks

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets will have to go without their star special teams player Justin Hardee, who recently underwent hamstring surgery and will be out of action for four to six weeks, according to insider sources close to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Hardee sustained the injury during last Sunday’s 31-21 victory over the Denver Broncos. Following the game, the injury worsened during practice, leading to his surgery on Friday, confirmed the sources.

A first-time Pro Bowler in the previous season, Hardee will now join the injured reserve list.

This news comes as a significant blow to the Jets’ special teams, as Hardee is an integral part of both the punt and kickoff units. His absence will have the biggest impact on the punt-coverage squad, considering his reputation as one of the top gunners in the league. Additionally, Brandin Echols, another gunner for the Jets, will also be unavailable for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles due to a hamstring injury, marking his second consecutive absence.

Being elected team captain for the second year in a row, Hardee has been an exceptional contributor to special teams tackles, ranking seventh in the league with 59 since his entry in 2017.

The Jets experienced two significant injuries last week, with right tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker being ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a torn Achilles tendon. The team only disclosed this injury on Wednesday.