Dustin Keller Injury: Updates on Jets TE's Hamstring Injury

UPDATE: Monday, August 27 at 1 p.m. ET by Jessica Isner:  Jets tight end Dustin Keller, who pulled a hamstring after 24-yard gain in an eventual loss to Carolina on Sunday night, doesn't expect to miss New York's regular-season opener versus Buffalo on Sept. 9.

In a text message to ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini, Keller said, "I should be fine for the season opener," and he indicated that an MRI may not even be necessary.

--End of Update--

The New York Jets' offense suffered a blow it couldn't really afford on Sunday night.

Tight end Dustin Keller made an impressive 24-yard catch-and-run in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers, but after an awkward hit, he came up limping. 

Keller was removed from the game, and he won't return (via the New York Daily News' Manish Mehta):

"

Dustin Keller is officially out for the game with a hamstring injury. #nyj

— Manish Mehta(@MMehtaNYDN) August 27, 2012"

Uh oh. 

The Jets have still yet to score a touchdown through nine preseason quarters, and while it's hard to put stock in meaningless games, the offense—and the passing game in particular—has looked atrocious. Losing a weapon—any weapon—is not good.

Keller is definitely a weapon. 

With the exception of Santonio Holmes, the 27-year-old tight end is easily New York's best and most experienced pass catcher. To boot, he's coming off the best year of his career.

Keller pulled in 65 catches last year for 815 yards and five touchdowns, all career highs. With so much inconsistency at the quarterback position, a reliable tight end is important as a check-down option. If the former Purdue star is forced to miss any time, things get very murky for the Jets.

Jeff Cumberland and Josh Baker are the likely candidates to see extra playing time should Keller sit—and hamstring injuries tend to linger—but they have a combined six catches for their careers. 

It's safe to say this could be a big blow for an already thin offense. We'll keep you updated. 

Follow @t_keen