Colin

Baxter

Although his MRI turned up no other damage, Mangold could be out until after the Jets’ Week 8 bye. Mangold has never missed a start since coming into the league in 2006, however, and could easily return sooner. For now, undrafted rookie Colin Baxter will start in his place in Week 3.

Hardwick is one of the better centers in the league, and backup Colin Baxter is just a replacement-level talent. With the Chargers offensive line already maligned, losing Hardwick could be a fatal blow.

Among the Chargers’ final cuts in September, Baxter will provide depth along an extremely banged up offensive line. Baxter appeared in three games for the Jets earlier this season, starting two.

The Bolts were desperate for depth up front after RT Jeromey Clary, LT Michael Harris, and LG Tyronne Green all suffered injuries in Week 13. One or both of Baxter and Schilling could be forced into the starting lineup at Pittsburgh’s No. 1 defense on Sunday.

It’s being called a right ankle injury, and his return is now being called doubtful after starting off as questionable. He was replaced by rookie Colin Baxter. Mangold spent ten or so seconds on the ground in clear pain before walking off on his own power, and then was seen pacing on the sidelines.

It’s awful news for the Jets, who have undrafted rookie Colin Baxter as Mangold’s backup with Rob Turner still sidelined with a broken bone in his leg. Mangold rolled his ankle when a defender fell onto his leg, and was taken to the locker room for X-rays, which came back negative (not a broken ankle). He was seen on crutches and in a boot following the game.

“He’s just not ready,” said coach Rex Ryan, adding that there’s a possibility Mangold could play in Week 4 against the Ravens. The Jets plan a run-heavy attack against the Raiders, so undrafted rookie Colin Baxter will be in the spotlight.

If you saw the tape of Mangold working out before Sunday night’s loss to the Ravens, you wouldn’t be optimistic either. The All-Pro center was limping through drills and grimacing in pain. He may try to gut it out this week out of desperation, but Mangold would likely be far from 100 percent against the Patriots.

Baxter underwhelmed as a run blocker in two starts in place of Nick Mangold. He’s no longer needed with Mangold healthy.

The Jets will be facing two of the league’s best nose tackles in Baltimore’s Haloti Ngata and New England’s Vince Wilfork in weeks four and five, so upgrading Baxter will be a must if he bombs in Oakland and Mangold proves to be slow healing. The Dolphins are the only team known to have worked out O’Hara since he was released by the Giants.