Ryan

Kalil

Kalil came out of retirement this summer and wound up starting seven games this season. PFF graded Kalil as the league’s second-worst center among 34 qualified players. The Jets signed OL Leo Koloamatangi to the active roster in a corresponding roster move.

Jonotthan Harrison is in the game at the pivot. One of the worst players in the NFL this season, Kalil has battled a variety of injuries. It might finally be time for Gang Green to send him to the bench.

Kalil has rebounded a bit in recent weeks after a tough start to the season, but figures to be operating at less than 100% if active. Jonotthan Harrison would take over as Sam Darnold’s center if Kalil is ultimately sidelined.

The Jets did bench Kalil in Monday night’s fiasco of a loss to the Browns, and coach Adam Gase hinted that will remain the case for the time being. “We’re probably aways from where he wants to be,” Gase said Tuesday. He then later backtracked. The Jets lured ex-Panther Kalil out of semi-retirement in August. 2019 is his age-34 campaign. Jonotthan Harrison is the next man up for Gang Green.

34-year-old Kalil was apparently only “retired” until the right opportunity came along. This money probably was too good to turn down. After injury-shortened years in 2016-17, Kalil bounced back to start all 16 games in 2018, though he was not an asset. He is still a clear upgrade on Jonotthan Harrison at the pivot in Florham Park. This isn’t a season-changing move for the Jets, but it will help. Kalil spent 2007-18 in Carolina.

“It doesn’t look good,” coach Ron Rivera said Wednesday. “It’s scary. If we do (put him on IR), we’ll probably announce something soon.” Kalil has gotten off to a shaky start following his third consecutive Pro Bowl appearance in 2011, but his loss would be catastrophic for a Panthers’ run game that’s struggled for consistency through five games. Carolina is on bye in Week 6, which means Kalil’s status may not be updated until early next week despite Rivera’s assurances that word will come soon. Either Jeff Byers or Geoff Hangartner would be the next man up at center.

Kalil’s injury is of the dreaded Lisfranc variety, and requires surgery. It’s an enormous blow for the floundering Panthers, and thrusts their surprisingly mediocre rushing attack into further disarray. It’s now going to be all the more difficult for Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams and Cam Newton to get their disappointing seasons into gear. A Pro Bowler three years running, Kalil signed a six-year, $49 million contract extension in August 2011. Lisfranc injuries are tricky, but Kalil should be ready for camp next summer. RG Geoff Hangartner will take over at center, leaving Jeff Byers and Garry Williams to rotate at right guard.

Kalil suffered the injury in Week 5 last season, and he had surgery in the fall. He recently said that his recovery was “on track,” but it had been “testing his patience.” There’s no need for the 28-year-old to rush back before camp.

Kalil says the rehab is “testing his patience.” Early word in December was that Kalil was expected to be ready for OTAs, but that seems uncertain at this point. The 28-year-old suffered the injury in Week 5 last season and even if he isn’t ready for OTAs, he should be all systems go for training camp.

“Kalil looks great, and that’s exciting,” said coach Ron Rivera. It’s good news as Lisfranc recoveries can be tricky. Kalil will enter 2013 in the third year of a six-year, $49 million signed after the lockout.