Darron Lee Injury: Updates on Jets LB's Ankle and Return

New York Jets rookie linebacker Darron Lee has not played since he suffered an ankle injury against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. However, he's ready to make his return to the field.

Continue for updates.

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Lee Active vs. Rams

Friday, Nov. 11 

The Jets announced Lee will play Sunday against Los Angeles Rams.  

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Latest on Lee's Practice Status

Thursday, Nov. 10

The Jets announced Lee was present at practice with his helmet on Thursday, but they did not specify how much of practice he would participate in.

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Lee Out vs. Dolphins

Friday, Nov. 4 

Dennis Waszak Jr. of the Associated Press reported Lee would sit out Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins.  

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Injury Disrupts Promising Start for Lee

The Jets selected Lee with the No. 20 overall pick in this year's NFL draft. New York already had David Harris and Erin Henderson at inside linebacker, so Lee's role going into the 2016 season was unknown.

But the 22-year-old made an immediate impact and saw plenty of snaps early in the season for the Jets.

He's impressed as a third-down linebacker, which is hardly a surprise, given his excellent athleticism and coverage skills. He also impressed his coaches early on, especially with his lack of ego.

"He comes into meetings, and he's hungry to learn," inside linebackers coach Mike Caldwell told Darryl Slater of NJ.com in June. "Sometimes you see rookies that think they know it all. He's eager to learn and he's soaking it all up and the older guys are helping him. That's a surprising part of it."

While Lee's size—he's 6'1" and 232 pounds—may be a concern for some going forward, the Jets don't seem bothered by it.

"I think we did the homework and he's a football player, and he's been that size all his life, and he's made plays," Caldwell said. "We feel comfortable with where he's at. He's going to go out there, and hopefully he'll make plays for us."

The Jets linebackers have struggled in coverage in the past, so losing Lee on third downs is a big blow for the team. Henderson will likely take on a bigger role on passing downs. In Lee's absence, though, the Jets will also be concerned that time off the field will stymie his development, at least this season.

Nonetheless, Lee is a promising young player and should continue to be a major contributor when he returns.

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