Kelechi Osemele didn’t back down, undergoing surgery on his right shoulder Friday despite the Jets’ objections, his agent Andrew Kessler told The Post.
The offensive guard, acquired in a trade with the Raiders in the offseason, said on Wednesday three different doctors believed he needed surgery for a torn labrum. But the Jets didn’t approve it, thinking he could play through the injury until after the season.
The Jets began fining him last week for conduct detrimental to the team after he refused to practice. His absence from the facility on Friday was termed “unexcused,” even though his representatives told the Jets he was having the surgery, which Kessler said was performed by Dr. Glen Ross in Boston. Osemele has filed a grievance against the Jets in response to the fines.
The NFL Players Association released a statement Thursday in support of Osemele, saying “it is not appropriate or ethical for employers in any line of work to dictate the medical care and treatment of any employee. We are considering all options to protect Kelechi Osemele, as we would for any of our members.”
Coach Adam Gase declined to comment on the matter. General manager Joe Douglas has not been made available to the media to discuss the situation. Despite undergoing surgery, Osemele was listed by the Jets as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Jaguars.
Cornerback Trumaine Johnson (ankle) was added to the injury report on Friday as questionable, as are wide receiver Braxton Berrios (hamstring) and defensive lineman Henry Anderson (shoulder). All were limited in Friday’s practice. Left tackle Kelvin Beachum (ankle), running back Trenton Cannon (foot/ankle) and linebacker Albert McClellan (concussion) were ruled out after not practicing all week. Tight end Chris Herndon (hamstring) is doubtful. Offensive guard Brian Winters (shoulder/knee), defensive tackle Steve McLendon (hamstring), wide receivers Demaryius Thomas (hamstring) and Jamison Crowder (knee) and center Ryan Kalil (elbow/shoulder) all practiced fully on Friday and are expected to play.
Free agent-to-be Leonard Williams’ name has been floated in trade rumors. But if the defensive lineman had his preference, he would be staying put.
“I wouldn’t want [to get traded], just from how I grew up, how I played football all my life,” he said. “I’ve been on one team in high school, one team in college and I got drafted here. I like it here and obviously I would like to stay here. But at the same time, I do know it’s a business.”
For more on the Jets, listen to this episode of the Jets podcast, “Gang’s All Here”:
