New York Jets WR Jamison Crowder tests positive for covid-19, but when can he return?

The New York Jets will most likely have to start their campaign without Jamison Crowder as he tests positive for covid-19

The problem that won't go away

To say the last NFL season was complicated by covid-19 would be a massive understatement. Yet one year later and it seems the virus is as present as its ever been, with an ever increasing number of players and staff throughout the league testing positive. In it's latest attack we can officially add a member of the New York Jets to the list of casualties, wide receiver Jamison Crowder.

According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Crowder tested positive for the virus and has now been placed on the reserve/covid-19 list. While it is believed to be an isolated incident with fellow teammates and staff unaffected, the club is understandably taking no risks.

When can he return?

There are just nine days before the New York Jets begin their campaign against the Carolina Panthers. Needless to say the odds of Crowder participating are next to none. Should he suffer a mild case - which many players have - he could in theory be out for as little as a week. On the other hand if complications should arise a timetable for return would be hard to project. Interestingly enough, Crowder's vaccination status is not known which will directly affect his chances of return. As per NFL protocols, unvaccinated players must quarantine for a minimum of 10 days after the initial positive test, thereby making it impossible for the team to field Crowder. If he is in fact vaccinated he could return in as short a period as 5 days in which case he would face the Panthers.

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The only certainty at this point is that its not certain when Jamison Crowder will return to action. Crowder himself shocked many this season as he was expected to be a victim of the salary cap, however, he actually agreed to take a fifty percent pay cut in order to stay, dropping his base salary from $10 million to $5 million while accepting a role as the Jets' 'slot man.' The Jets will undoubtedly be hoping he can recover in time as he is an integral part of their offensive plans.

All is not lost

While the loss of Crowder is a blow to the Jets, it does present rookie Elijah Moore with an opportunity to showcase his ability. At present the Jets have made no comment on who they plan to start at wide receiver, but the likes of Moore - who himself missed time due to injury - will no doubt be itching for the start.