Jace Amaro's second season in the NFL is over before it began.
Jets coach Todd Bowles announced Tuesday that Amaro, a second-round pick last year, has been placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a torn labrum. Amaro will need surgery to repair the shoulder.
The news is a surprise. Amaro suffered the injury when he landed awkwardly on his shoulder in the team's preseason opener against the Lions. He hadn't practiced since, but it was believed that he was dealing with a relatively minor issue. Amaro said last week, "Every day it's been getting better." Clearly, something changed between then and now.
Amaro's departure leaves the Jets without a true pass-catching tight end in their building. Zach Sudfeld would have been a nice option, but he suffered a torn ACL early in training camp. Current tight ends on the roster include Jeff Cumberland, Kellen Davis, Arthur Lynch and Wes Saxton.
Amaro had an up-and-down rookie season in 2014, but showed flashes of playmaker ability. His season highlight came in a Week 6 loss to the Broncos, when he finished with 10 catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. The Texas Tech product finished the season with 38 receptions for 345 yards and two touchdowns.
