The New York Jets have suffered another significant injury setback, as special teams standout and wide receiver Irvin Charles has been diagnosed with a torn ACL, ending his 2024 season. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich confirmed the news during his media availability, announcing that Charles would be placed on injured reserve.
Ulbrich expressed deep disappointment over the injury, noting that Charles had been one of the team’s few bright spots in what has been a challenging season. He praised Charles for his impressive development, particularly on special teams, and stated that, had he continued his strong performances, he would likely have earned a Pro Bowl selection. Ulbrich also highlighted the emotional response from the team when they learned of Charles’ injury, underscoring the respect and admiration his teammates have for him.
A former undrafted free agent who joined the NFL in 2022, Charles had worked his way into a key special teams role for the Jets. At 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, Charles had become known for his physicality and versatility, playing both wide receiver and contributing on special teams. Over the past two seasons, he appeared in 25 games, recording 14 tackles, including 11 solo stops.
In 2024, Charles had a standout year, finishing with an impressive 88.6 PFF special teams grade, ranking 5th among all qualifiers. His stellar performance led some analysts to consider him a Pro Bowl candidate. Jets special teams coordinator Brant Boyer also praised Charles, calling him one of the best special teamers in the league and emphasizing his dominance in every phase of the game.
Charles is scheduled to be a restricted free agent in the offseason, and the Jets’ new leadership will have to decide whether to offer him a tender or let him test unrestricted free agency in 2025.