Minnesota Vikings

Jets’ secondary will be down a few key players vs. Vikings

Published Oct. 19, 2018 3:58 p.m. ET

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets' secondary will be short-handed against Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings.

Cornerback Buster Skrine and safety Marcus Maye are out for the game Sunday, and cornerback Trumaine Johnson is doubtful to play.

Skrine has a concussion that has caused him to miss most of the last two games. Maye is dealing with a broken right thumb. Meanwhile, Johnson — the Jets' top free-agent signing — will likely miss his third straight game with a quadriceps injury.

The Jets will have to face a Vikings offense that includes wide receiver Adam Thielen, who leads the NFL with 58 receptions and 712 yards receiving. Stefon Diggs has 40 catches for 435 yards, so coach Todd Bowles will have to get creative with his defensive backs.

"Well, we've got a bunch of guys to play with," Bowles said.

Darryl Roberts, who has started the past two games, will see plenty of time again. So will rookie Parry Nickerson, who has filled in at Skrine's slot spot, and Rashard Robinson and Juston Burris.

New York could also be short-handed at wide receiver, with Quincy Enunwa having been previously ruled out with a sprained ankle and Terrelle Pryor doubtful with a groin injury.

Bowles said "it's possible" the Jets could sign a receiver Friday or Saturday, or promote Deontay Burnett — a former teammate of quarterback Sam Darnold at USC — from the practice squad.

Linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis (foot) is doubtful, and running back Isaiah Crowell (foot) is questionable.