A routine joint practice session between the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took an unexpected turn on Wednesday as friendly fire led to a hospitalization.
The incident left Jets’ senior defensive assistant and cornerbacks coach, Tony Oden, on the receiving end of the scrimmage’s intensity.
Jets’ head coach, Robert Saleh, shed light on the incident, explaining that Oden was “caught in some friendly fire” during an altercation between the two teams. While the exact details of the altercation remain unclear, Oden was seen on his knee after the scuffle began to dissipate, prompting medical personnel to tend to him on the field. Oden was then carefully carted off for further evaluation in the hospital.
Despite the alarming scene, Coach Saleh reassured concerned onlookers, stating, “He’s awake, he’s doing fine, he’s stable.” Saleh also noted that Oden was expected to make a full recovery in the hospital.
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Oden has built a formidable reputation in the NFL coaching world, having spent two decades as an assistant coach. His experience includes a four-year stint with Saleh at the San Francisco 49ers before joining the New York Jets’ coaching staff.
Joint practices are no strangers to scuffles, often reflecting the intensity of the training camp environment. In this more private setting, players can push the limits of physicality without the same constraints as in official games.
The Jets are set to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their second preseason game on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET. The joint practices leading up to the matchup have undoubtedly intensified the anticipation surrounding this clash, as both teams work to fine-tune their preparations for the season ahead.
While this unexpected setback has temporarily shifted the spotlight, the focus remains on the next game where the New York Jets and their coaching staff are determined to bring their A-game to every play.
