The New York Jets are placing Nick Mangold on injured reserve with an ankle injury, ending the star center's season and possibly his tenure with the only NFL team he has played for.
Mangold aggravated an ankle injury during the Jets' 41-10 loss to Indianapolis on Monday night. He was flying to North Carolina on Thursday to visit orthopedic specialist Dr. Robert Anderson to get another look at his sprained right ankle.
The team decided to shut down Mangold, who will be replaced by Wesley Johnson at center. Johnson filled in as the starter for four games after Mangold initially injured his ankle against Baltimore on Oct. 23.
The 32-year-old Mangold, a first-round pick in 2006, is due nearly $6.075 million in base salary next year and the Jets could save $9.075 million on the salary cap by cutting him.
