Garrett Wilson Injury Update: Will the Jets Star WR Return After Knee Issue vs. Bengals?

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson will miss his second straight game due to a knee injury. Head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed that Wilson is among several players ruled out for Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

This development continues a difficult start to the 2025 NFL season for the Jets, who remain the league’s only winless team at 0-7. Losing their top offensive weapon only deepens their ongoing struggles in the passing game.

Garrett Wilson Injury Details and Official Status

Wilson suffered a knee injury during the Jets’ Week 6 matchup and has not returned to the field since. According to Glenn, Wilson was unable to practice all week, leading to his official designation as out for Sunday’s game in Cincinnati.

“For the guys who are out, we have Kene Nwangwu, Sauce Gardner, Jay Tufele, Cam Jones, Stone Smartt, and Garrett Wilson,” Glenn told reporters on Friday. It’s the first time in Wilson’s career that he has missed multiple consecutive games since being drafted 10th overall in 2022.

The Jets’ passing attack ranks last in the NFL, averaging just over 150 yards per game. Wilson’s absence has further exposed the team’s offensive shortcomings and made it harder for quarterback Jordan Travis to find rhythm and consistency.

The timing of Wilson’s injury, however, may offer some relief. After Sunday’s game, New York will enter its Week 9 bye, allowing the 24-year-old receiver an additional week of recovery before a possible return against the Cleveland Browns in Week 10.

Who Replaces Garrett Wilson in the Jets’ WR Depth Chart?

With Wilson sidelined, Josh Reynolds and Arian Smith are expected to lead the receiving corps. Tyler Johnson and Allen Lazard will rotate in at the slot and boundary positions. The Jets have also elevated Quentin Skinner and Jamaal Pritchett from the practice squad for added depth.

Despite the reinforcements, none of the replacements provide the same explosiveness or reliability Wilson brings. He remains the team’s leader in receptions, yards, and red-zone targets, despite missing a game.

The Jets are hoping their supporting receivers can step up against a struggling Bengals secondary that ranks 30th in the league in pass defense. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett is expected to lean on short passes and play-action to create opportunities for Reynolds and Smith.

Jets’ Broader Struggles and Playoff Picture

The 2025 season has spiraled for New York under first-year head coach Aaron Glenn. The Jets have lost seven straight games to open the year, marking one of the worst starts in franchise history. Only the 1996 and 2020 Jets began worse.

With playoff hopes all but gone, the focus now shifts to player development and health. Ensuring Garrett Wilson returns fully fit is a top priority for the organization as they look ahead to rebuilding momentum in the second half of the season.

Garrett Wilson’s recovery will be closely monitored after the bye week, with fans hoping for a Week 10 return against Cleveland. His presence remains critical to the Jets’ offensive identity and future outlook.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Will Garrett Wilson play against the Bengals in Week 8?

No, coach Aaron Glenn confirmed Wilson is out for Week 8 due to a knee injury.

Q2: When is Garrett Wilson expected to return?

He could return in Week 10 against the Browns after the Jets’ Week 9 bye, depending on his recovery progress.

Q3: Who will replace Garrett Wilson for the Jets?

Josh Reynolds and Arian Smith are expected to lead the receiving corps, with support from Allen Lazard and Tyler Johnson.

Q4: How bad is the Jets’ 2025 season so far?

The Jets are currently 0-7, marking one of their worst starts in franchise history.

Q5: What impact does Wilson’s injury have on the Jets’ offense?

Without Wilson, New York’s already struggling offense loses its top playmaker and downfield threat.