Josh Baker: New York Jets Tight End Tears ACL, Likely Gone for Season

NBC Sports reported this morning that New York Jets tight end Josh Baker has a torn ACL. He tore it Sunday night in the Jets' third preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.

This is a major injury and most likely rules out Baker for the entire regular season. Baker is the Jets' backup tight end. An undrafted rookie in 2011, he played in 11 games for the Jets.

Despite being a backup, Baker was expected to see a lot of playing time, like he did last year. He is not as good of a receiver as starter Dustin Keller. However, he is more versatile and a better blocker, which makes him the de facto starter in some packages.

Furthermore, Dustin Keller has a hamstring injury and might not be available in Week 1. Losing two players at the same position in preseason is never a good sign.

If neither player is ready to go for Week 1 of the regular season against the Buffalo Bills, the Jets offense will be significantly weakened.

Baker is still young—only 25 years old. Jets fan should wish him well and hope to see him again in the 2013 season.