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New York Jets outside linebacker/defensive end Quinton Coples has suffered a hairline fracture to his ankle and will miss three to four weeks, according to ESPN New York's Rich Cimini:
Filed to ESPN: Quinton Coples has a hairline fracture in ankle, out 3-4 weeks, no surgery required. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 18, 2013
Coples suffered the injury during the Jets' Saturday night preseason game against Jacksonville. Late in the second quarter, Coples fell to the ground after knocking down a Jaguars pass attempt. He left the field and, after receiving some initial treatment on the sideline, retired to the locker room. He did not return to the game.
Coples was the Jets' first round draft pick in 2012 out of North Carolina. As a rookie, he recorded 30 tackles and 5.5 sacks as a defensive end. Head coach Rex Ryan has been attempting to convert Coples to outside linebacker this preseason, with mixed results so far.
Veteran Antwan Barnes was listed as Coples' backup on the most recent Jets depth chart.
The Jets finish their preseason schedule with games against the Giants and Eagles, before opening the regular season at home against Tampa Bay. New York plays a Thursday night game against New England in Week 2, and the quick turnaround could mean that Coples does not return to action until Week 3 against Buffalo.
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