C Nick Mangold's career with the Jets might be over, as the Gang Green placed the 11-year veteran on injured reserve, ending his season. Mangold, 32, is due to receive nearly $9.1M next year ($6.1M base and $3M in bonuses), quite a substantial amount for the once best center in the league.
Mangold has battled a severe ankle injury for almost two months. He returned on Monday to play the against Colts but only seemed to have made the injury worse. The Jets drafted Mangold at #29 overall in 2006. He played in seven Pro Bowls and was named twice to the All-Pro team. He missed just four games in the previous 10 seasons.
C Wesley Johnson will return to the starting role, replacing Mangold. The Jets also signed rookie S Doug Middleton from the practice squad to fill in the vacated roster spot.