A year after missing the entire 2023 NFL season due to a torn ACL, Jets safety Chuck Clark finally made his return to the field as a starter for his new team this year.
Unfortunately, Clark found himself back on injured reserve just six games into the 2024 NFL season.
However, after the mandatory four-game absence, Clark is now designated to return from IR, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post.
Clark’s issues with staying healthy only began after joining the Jets.
During his six-year tenure with the Ravens, the strong safety missed just two games.
Since being traded to New York, however, he has missed a total of 21 games, including all 17 last season due to his ACL injury, and four more games this year after being placed on injured reserve.
Despite Clark missing the entirety of his first season under contract with the Jets, the team opted to keep him, re-signing both him and fellow free agent Ashtyn Davis while letting Jordan Whitehead depart in free agency.
The Jets held a competition during the offseason for the starting safety spots between Clark, Davis, and Tony Adams, following a season where Adams and Whitehead started most games.
Clark won the starting role alongside Adams for the first six games, with Davis contributing as a rotational player off the bench.
When Clark was sidelined, it was expected that Davis would step up into the starting role.
However, veteran Jalen Mills was instead given the starting duties in Clark’s absence.
If Clark can return soon, it would enhance the Jets’ already strong safety depth for a defense that ranks third in passing yards allowed this season.
His tackling skills could also help boost a run defense that currently ranks 26th in yards allowed.
Clark was initially sidelined with a high-ankle sprain, and a four-game absence was anticipated.
This timeline sets him up to potentially return in time for the Jets’ Sunday matchup against the Colts, which was recently moved to a noon kickoff.
If Clark isn’t ready by then, the Jets’ bye week following the Colts game could provide an additional two weeks of recovery time.
However, the Jets have limited flexibility after that, as today’s designation opens a 21-day practice window for Clark.
If the 29-year-old safety does not return to action by the end of this window, he will revert to season-ending IR.
