The Jets lost a defensive lineman in the middle of the game they were trying to close out. DT David Onyemata was downgraded to out during Sunday’s 20–17 overtime loss to the Packers with a groin injury, and head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed it afterward without putting a timeline on it.
David Onyemata was downgraded to out with a groin injury during the Jets’ Week 2 loss to Green Bay on September 20, 2026. The team announced the in-game designation, and HC Aaron Glenn confirmed the injury postgame. No severity or return timeline has been stated by the club.
What has the team actually said about Onyemata’s injury?
Two things, and only two. During the game the Jets announced that Marcelino McCrary-Ball (ankle), Kiko Mauigoa (quad) and Onyemata (groin) had all been downgraded to out. Afterward, Glenn listed the same injuries to reporters: “Lino has an ankle, Kiko has a quad, David Onyemata groin, Arian [Smith] has a knee, and Mason Taylor has a thumb.” He added that he would “have more information on those guys… at some point during the week.”
That is the whole official record as of this writing. The club has characterized the body part and nothing else — no grade, no imaging result, no week-to-week or day-to-day label. Anything beyond that is speculation, and this site is not going to supply it.
Why does losing Onyemata matter for this defense?
Because the interior was the part of the game the Jets were winning. Green Bay finished with 199 total yards and converted 1 of 9 third downs, and the front forced four fumbles. Onyemata is a starter on that line, and he was unavailable for the stretch in which the Packers scored the final 13 points of the game.
Whether those two facts are connected is not something the team has claimed, and the Week 2 recap lays out what else went into the collapse — a 63-yard punt return, a fourth-and-1 stop, and 15 lost yards on the overtime possession.
Who else got hurt against the Packers?
Four other players were named by Glenn. McCrary-Ball (ankle) and Mauigoa (quad) joined Onyemata in the in-game downgrade to out. Rookie WR Arian Smith (knee) and TE Mason Taylor (thumb) were also listed; Taylor, like Onyemata, is a starter. None of the five has an announced return timeline.
The Jets were already without S Minkah Fitzpatrick and rookie WR Omar Cooper Jr., who was placed on injured reserve on September 19. Current designations for the full group are maintained on the Jets injury report.
When will there be more clarity?
Glenn said he expects to have more information during the week. Practically, that means the first official Week 3 participation report — which the team publishes as a news item, usually in the late afternoon — is the next document that will carry real designations. The Jets are at Detroit on Sunday, September 27; the rest of the 2026 schedule is here.
Frequently asked questions
What is David Onyemata’s injury?
A groin injury. The Jets announced he was downgraded to out during the Week 2 game against Green Bay on September 20, 2026, and head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed the injury postgame.
Is there a return timeline for Onyemata?
No. The club has not stated a severity or a timeline. Glenn said he would have more information at some point during the week.
Which other Jets were hurt against the Packers?
Glenn named Marcelino McCrary-Ball (ankle), Kiko Mauigoa (quad), Arian Smith (knee) and Mason Taylor (thumb), in addition to Onyemata.
Who was downgraded to out during the game?
Marcelino McCrary-Ball, Kiko Mauigoa and David Onyemata were all downgraded to out in-game, per the team.
Were the Jets already missing players before Week 2?
Yes. S Minkah Fitzpatrick did not play, and rookie WR Omar Cooper Jr. was placed on injured reserve on September 19, 2026.
When is the next official Jets injury report?
The first Week 3 practice participation report of the week, published by the team as a news item ahead of the September 27 game at Detroit.