FLORHAM PARK, NJ — New York Jets offensive tackle Max Mitchell, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season after being placed on the non-football injury list, was discovered with blood clots in his right calf and lung, his father told ESPN on Thursday.
Mitchell has an inherited bleeding disorder called Factor V Leiden, according to John Mitchell. Max Mitchell is on blood-thinning medication and is expected to make a full recovery, his father said, adding that it was not career-threatening.
“It shouldn’t affect his career in the long term,” said John Mitchell. “Obviously we’re taking a big, big deep breath on all of this, but his future is bright.”
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The Jets announced the NFI designation Wednesday, but coach Robert Saleh declined to reveal the reason.
Max Mitchell, who made his fifth start in right tackle on Sunday, was removed in the second quarter because he was “struggling,” Saleh said after the 27-22 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Mitchell had side pains and difficulty breathing, his father said.
It was initially thought to be muscle spasms, but the symptoms persisted, so he went for tests on Monday, which revealed the blood clots. He might be on blood thinners for a few months, but that can vary.
Mitchell was a fourth-round draft pick from Louisiana. This was supposed to be a developmental season but he was pushed into action with injuries. He was the day one starter in right tackle and started in the first four games before a knee injury sidelined him for six games. He came off the bench in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. In the days that followed, the symptoms began to be felt at him, John Mitchell said.