New Jersey: New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson has reportedly cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and is expected to return for Sunday’s Week 10 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, providing a major boost to the team’s offense.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Wilson has completed the necessary concussion clearance process and is expected to be available for the divisional contest. The latest update comes after he missed the Jets’ previous game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The latest Garrett Wilson injury update is encouraging for New York, which has struggled to find consistency in its passing attack without its leading receiver. His potential return gives quarterback Geno Smith another reliable target against a Buffalo defense.
Wilson suffered the concussion during the Jets’ Week 8 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The injury occurred late in the game, forcing him into the league’s concussion protocol and keeping him out of the Week 9 matchup against Kansas City.
The development follows a week of gradual progress. Wilson returned to practice on Wednesday but was initially limited as he worked through the NFL’s mandatory head-injury clearance process.
He remained a limited participant during Thursday’s session before making a significant step forward on Friday. His full participation suggested that he was nearing the final stage of his recovery.
Despite the improvement, the Jets initially listed Wilson as questionable for Week 10. The latest report indicates that he has since cleared the protocol and is expected to play against Buffalo.
Wilson’s absence was noticeable in New York’s 35-12 defeat against Kansas City in Week 9. Without their leading receiver, the Jets struggled to establish a consistent passing game and generate enough production through their wide receiver group.
Before the injury, Wilson had established himself as New York’s top offensive target. Through eight starts this season, he recorded 43 receptions for 527 receiving yards and three touchdowns, leading the team in all three categories.
His return could also change the opportunities available to rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. Cooper stepped into a larger role against Kansas City, finishing with eight catches for 58 yards on 11 targets.
Cooper’s increased involvement came while Wilson was unavailable. With the veteran receiver expected back, New York could distribute targets differently against Buffalo, potentially reducing Cooper’s workload compared with his previous performance.
Cooper is also dealing with an ankle injury heading into the Week 10 contest. He was limited during Wednesday and Thursday’s sessions before completing a full practice on Friday, improving his chances of being available.
The Jets could therefore have their leading receiving options available for an important AFC East matchup. Wilson’s presence would give the offense a more established receiving threat against a Buffalo team that has been difficult to handle.
For fantasy football managers, Wilson’s expected availability is particularly important. His return makes him a more attractive starting option, while Cooper’s fantasy value could depend on how many opportunities he receives alongside the returning veteran.
Wilson’s official playing status was expected to be clarified approximately 90 minutes before Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET kickoff against Buffalo.
