Jets Offensive Lineman Kelechi Osemele Has Surgery

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Jets offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele is going forward with his decision to have season ending surgery, even though Gang Green has not approved it. While Osemele heads to have his torn labrum repaired, the Jets will consider it an unexcused absence according to WFAN’s Brian Costello.

Osemele’s agent, Andrew Kessler confirmed the offensive lineman was having surgery to repair a torn labrum performed Friday by Dr. Glen Ross in Boston. The surgery ends Osemele’s season and likely, his career with the Jets, but the two sides will remain linked through the dispute. Earlier this week, Osemele filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association as the Jets have been fining him the maximum amount for “conduct detrimental to the team” for every day he misses practice.

"I'm trying my best to do my rehab work and show up every day and be at meetings with everything I need to do," Osemele told reporters earlier this week. "I'd be lying if I said that it wasn't frustrating to be in this position considering what I've been able to accomplish in this league and the type of player that I am. To be dealing with something like this is slightly disrespectful, but it's out of my control."

Noah K. Murray / USA Today Sports

While Osemele says doctors have told him he needs surgery now, the Jets maintain the offensive lineman can play through the injury. Throughout the standoff, Jets head coach Adam Gase had no desire to play peacemaker and speak with Osemele.

“I haven’t seen him,” Gase said during his Thursday press conference. “I mean, he’s in the training room. We’re in meetings and things like that. We haven’t had any conversations.”

Adam Gase responds to a question about why he hasn't spoken to Kelechi Osemele in the past few weeks – "He hasn't asked to speak to me" pic.twitter.com/UI6MAfqos0

— Jets Videos (@snyjets) October 24, 2019

Gang Green takes on the Jaguars in Jacksonville Sunday at 1:00pm and it’s safe to say Osemele won't be there as he recovers from surgery. The Jets will likely continue to fine their sidelined offensive lineman for his absence.