Unfortunately for Wilkerson, that season will likely end a game short. (photo: Daniel Speiss, Flickr)
Jets coach Rex Ryan told reporters Wednesday that the second-year player was concussed Sunday in New York's loss to the San Diego Chargers, via the NY Daily News. The team later said Wilkerson received the concussion near the end of the game and didn't show concussion-like symptoms until after it was over.
With the season long lost, there's no reason to rush Wilkerson back into the lineup for a meaningless contest with the Buffalo Bills. However, Ryan said missing Wilkerson "would be a huge blow, no question."
Often working inside but moving along the line, Wilkerson tallied 66 tackles, five sacks, four passes defensed and three forced fumbles. He graded out as the NFL's fourth-best defensive lineman through 16 weeks by Pro Football Focus.
With his consistent, stout work in the run game and his ability to attract extra blockers out of the backfield against the pass, Wilkerson has been a rare bright spot in the Jets' turbulent 2012 campaign. He should be a Pro Bowler, but he's flown under the radar this season.
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