The New York Jets have released guard Kelechi Osemele following a well-publicized dispute over a shoulder injury. Osemele underwent shoulder surgery yesterday but, rather than place him on the injured reserve, the Jets elected to part ways entirely. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Osemele plans to file grievances against his former organization.
The #Jets have released OL Kelechi Osemele, rather than place him on IR. The grievances will follow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 26, 2019
Kelechi Osemele Released by New York Jets
Osemele originally arrived in New York following an off-season trade with the Oakland Raiders. The interior lineman suffered a shoulder injury at some point prior to the start of 2019, but played through the injury early on. However, as the season progressed, Osemele claimed that his painkiller weren’t strong enough and he wanted to have season-ending surgery. The Jets disagreed with this claim and reportedly sent blank or misleading MRI’s to doctors. Nonetheless, multiple doctors recommended the surgery anyway.
While undergoing surgery, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that damage to the shoulder was “more extensive than anticipated”. Schefter went on to note that Oseleme’s representatives, as well as the NFLPA, were considering taking action against New York’s team doctor for “voilations of State Medical Board Regulations”. As of this posting, Osemele has yet to take actions against his former organization.
Per Kelechi Osemele’s agents: Osemele’s surgery went well yesterday, but damage to shoulder was more extensive than anticipated. His representatives and NFLPA are now considering specific action against the Jets’ team doctor for violations of State Medical Board Regulations.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 26, 2019
Osemele initially joined the NFL as a second-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Selected by the Baltimore Ravens, Osemele started his career at tackle. However, Osemele replaced Ja Reid at guard for the start of Baltimore’s playoff run. Osemele’s presence ended up helping to solidify an offensive line that won Super Bowl 47 over the San Francisco 49ers. Osemele spent four years in Baltimore before signing with the Oakland Raiders prior to the 2016 season. The former second-round pick won First-Team All-Pro honors during his first year in Oakland and earned a Pro Bowl nomination in 2017. In total, Osemele has spent eight years in the league with three different franchises.
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