Jets Fine Kelechi Osemele After He Missed Practice Amid Ongoing Injury Dispute
By Karl Rasmussen
Jets offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele feels that he is too injured to play, however, the team seems to think differently. According to reports, the Jets have been urging Osemele to keep playing through a nagging shoulder injury, though the veteran is vying to get surgery to repair the ailment.
The dispute escalated when Osemele missed practice and was subsequently fined by the team. The amount of money he was docked remains undisclosed.
#Jets' Kelechi Osemele fined after not practicing Saturday, source says, as disagreement over shoulder injury continues | @Al_Iannazzone https://t.co/3oh1khuwU0 pic.twitter.com/scjpn8kq5Y
— Newsday Sports (@NewsdaySports) October 19, 2019
Osemele claims to have a torn labrum, which would require season-ending surgery to repair. However, sources claim that doctors insist his injury is a pre-existing condition and that surgery isn't necessary, despite the team initially agreeing to let him undergo the knife.
As a result of the dispute, Osemele skipped practice Saturday, despite being warned of possible fines should he fail to show up.
So, here’s the deal w/ Kelechi Osemele/#Jets:
— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) October 18, 2019
- Osemele says he needs shoulder surgery & says 2 docs confirmed that.
- Source says 2 docs have actually cleared Osemele to play, say injury is pre-existing & can play thru it.
- Jets want Osemele to practice Sat or face discipline.
The 30-year-old was acquired this offseason in a trade from the Raiders and is one of the key guys up front for the Jets.
This situation continues to escalate and it seems the two sides will remain at odds. Hopefully a resolution can be met, considering Osemele is under contract until the end of the 2020 season.